Protest over Crowborough plan to house 600 asylum seekers

A protest has taken place in an East Sussex town over government plans to house 600 asylum seekers in a former military site.

The government announced plans in October for the asylum seekers to be housed in a now disused army training camp on the outskirts of Crowborough.

Sussex Police confirmed that a planned peaceful protest had taken place on Sunday morning in the town, and no arrests were made.

The Home Office has been approached for a comment. A spokesperson previously told the BBC “the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy” and the government would “close every asylum hotel”.

Moving asylum seekers to military sites is part of the government’s attempt to end the controversial use of hotels – something it has pledged to do before the next election.

“Work is well under way, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities across the country,” the spokesperson previously said.

The Home Office has apologised over its handling of the plans to house asylum seekers at the Crowborough military site.

Wealden District Council had criticised the Home Office over an “information vacuum” around the plans, which it said had fuelled community tensions and threats against councillors.