Crowborough residents are expressing outrage and fear over the government's decision to house migrants at a local army camp. The first group of 27 male migrants arrived at Crowborough Training Camp in the early hours of Thursday morning, sparking protests that have now entered their 12th week. Locals are concerned about the safety of their community, particularly for young people, and have voiced distrust towards the Labour government, which they accuse of risking their loved ones' safety. Some residents believe this situation is indicative of a broader national issue, warning that "this is coming for all of Britain."
The move is part of a government initiative to phase out the use of asylum hotels by utilizing disused army camps. While the government states the Crowborough site is equipped with 24/7 security, CCTV, and strict sign-in procedures, protesters, including a group called Crowborough Shield, have launched a legal challenge. This opposition has led to confrontations, with police arresting three individuals for threatening and intimidatory behavior at the camp entrance, emphasizing that such conduct will not be tolerated.