Hundreds of male asylum seekers are expected to arrive in Crowborough, East Sussex, starting in January, despite strong local opposition. The plan involves housing over 500 single men, aged 18-65, at the Crowborough Training Camp, an army barracks with a capacity of 540, for a 12-month period. This move is part of the government's strategy to close asylum hotels and reduce costs.
Residents have vehemently protested the plans for six consecutive weekends, expressing concerns about the village's infrastructure and safety, with some carrying placards with messages like "Protect our women and girls" and "Not racist, just afraid." A local group has raised over £70,000 to fund a legal challenge against the decision, describing the move as "completely inappropriate and inhumane." Wealden District Council has also criticized the lack of community engagement and stated its intention to challenge the decision legally. The Home Office aims to close all asylum hotels, noting that the number of people awaiting asylum decisions in rented accommodation continues to rise. The transfer to Crowborough was reportedly delayed from December to ensure the site's suitability, partly to avoid issues like the Legionella outbreak on the Bibby Stockholm barge.