🔗 Share this article

Inside the stuffed shelves of a DIY outlet in Crowborough, there is a striking empty space on the wall where cutlery were once exhibited.

Community rumours indicate this removal is tied to the dominant news story gripping the town: the alleged imminent arrival of a large number of people seeking refuge at a local defence facility.

The store manager comments he was instructed to move the knives by officers as part of a separate blade awareness campaign. "Given the coincidence, the possibility that that's related to the camp, I cannot say," he notes.

A Locale Filled by Uncertainty

This incident is characteristic of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of about 22,000 residents. Townspeople are fighting against proposals to house up to 540 male asylum seekers at the military site.

The location was reportedly chosen as part of a ministerial commitment to transfer asylum seekers out of hotel accommodation. Even with official comments that no final decision has been made, many residents are bracing for what they see as an imposed change on their peaceful community.

Patrols and Labels

Accusations of unofficial policing have been directed towards the community after a resident-run group began to monitor the area at night, donning high-visibility gear.

Members of this group are keen to dissociate from the "lawless" tag. "It's just ludicrous," states one organiser, a former scout leader. "It's just all men above the age of 40. It's just unfounded."

They assert their aim is to respond to local anxieties and position themselves as a visible local fixture prior to any rumoured arrivals.

"There is a significant wait for the police to get here. So if you're in trouble, you've effectively got to ask someone to delay attacking you for a bit?" one member remarks.

They clarify they would only act in the gravest of incidents, having had training on the legal limits of a citizen's arrest.

Mixed Opinions in the Community

While many people in the town interviewed disagree with the plan, there are alternative voices. One local business owner, who himself came to the UK in the past, notes on the welcome he received.

"In my view it's acceptable for people to arrive," he said, referencing that new arrivals is a reality across Europe. "Every country accepts people."

However, this welcoming attitude was scarcely in view on a tense Tuesday evening. Anxieties were palpable outside the training camp.

Hours of Tension

A crowd of about 50 protesters had gathered near the camp entrance. Suspecting that staff were readying the site, and seeing a significant police presence, many grew convinced the arrival of asylum seekers was hours away.

"As it's going to be a middle of the night move, right?" one man remarked. "They'd never bring them in during the day."

Police officers on site responded curtly to questions. A local builder captured the scene: "Usually, and I'm being honest, you can hear a pin drop in Crowborough at this time."

The atmosphere intensified when police authorised a public order power, granting them powers to disperse anyone engaged in a disturbance. For many in the crowd, this was evidence the area was being secured for the immediate arrival of asylum seekers.

Unconfirmed claims began to spread. One man stated he had seen coaches carrying asylum seekers. Minutes later, a bus labelled "contract bus" went along the main road, with unidentifiable faces peering at the windows, fueling the speculation.

A community figure who arrived at the scene attempted to calm the agitated man, explaining that such buses were regular on that route, often transporting members of a movement from a nearby headquarters.

Fears and Frustrations

Over the night, tense exchanges occurred between the crowd and police. Frustration was vented at the alleged lack of communication from authorities.

"You don't know no idea who they are! They're not processed!" yelled one man at an officer. "Perspectives would be drastically altered if one of your daughters was attacked, though?"

Accusations of unequal treatment were thrown, with some arguing that certain groups were being treated unfairly by the police.

Many residents expressed anger at news coverage of their protests, especially after a recent demonstration attended by a large crowd.

"We are not far right," stated one woman. "It's a respectable area. They are just concerned citizens who don't want this in our community."

She went on, "The issue is a large number of men we know absolutely nothing about being placed here. It's alarming. This doesn't matter what colour, I would carry on protesting."

An Evening That Came to Nothing

As the night wore on, the tension subsided. By the middle of the night, it became clear that no asylum seekers were transported that night, and the crowd dispersed.

Politically, a heated political dispute was afoot. Politicians and the MP were trading accusations, with charges of irresponsibility and poor judgement being levelled.

One elected official claimed the MP of being "wildly irresponsible" and spreading "fake news" that heightened division and worry within the community.

Uncertainty Continues

Regardless of the political wrangling, few in the area were happy with the negative attention brought upon the town. One resident said that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the protests, though the friend would be reluctant to say so publicly.

The following day, fresh reports emerged among activists of a continued police presence at the camp, indicating that arrivals were possible from that day on.

And so, with little concrete information, the state of commotion began to repeat.