🔗 Share this article

Inside the stuffed shelves of a DIY outlet in an East Sussex community, there is a striking gap on the wall where cutlery were once shown.

Community rumours indicate this alteration is linked to the major news story occupying the town: the potential imminent arrival of a large number of people seeking refuge at a adjacent defence facility.

The store proprietor states he was asked to take down the knives by authorities as part of a separate safety drive. "Given the timing, if that's connected to the camp, I am unsure," he remarks.

A Town Filled by Confusion

This episode is typical of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of around 22,000 residents. Residents are challenging schemes to house up to 540 unaccompanied men asylum seekers at the cadet facility.

The location was reportedly selected as part of a national vow to relocate asylum seekers out of temporary lodgings. Despite government assurances that no definitive choice has been made, many residents are bracing for what they perceive as an disruptive arrival on their peaceful community.

Groups and Labels

Accusations of unofficial policing have been directed towards the community after a resident-run group set up to monitor the area at night, in distinctive gear.

Members of this patrol are eager to dissociate from the "reckless" tag. "The idea is ludicrous," states one organiser, a ex- scout leader. "We are all men above the age of 40. It's just misguided."

They maintain their purpose is to respond to community fears and establish themselves as a reassuring community presence before any potential arrivals.

"There is a significant wait for the police to get here. So if you're in trouble, you've practically have to request someone to delay harming you for a bit?" one member remarks.

They emphasise they would only get involved in the most serious of circumstances, having received advice on the parameters of a citizen's arrest.

Differing Voices in the Community

While many people in the town interviewed oppose the proposal, there are alternative voices. One local business owner, who himself relocated to the UK years ago, comments on the kindness he received.

"I think it's acceptable for people to arrive," he said, referencing that immigration is a fact across Europe. "Everyone accepts people."

However, this welcoming stance was scarcely in evidence on a tense Tuesday evening. Anxieties were palpable outside the military site.

Evening of Speculation

A gathering of about 50 protesters had congregated near the camp entrance. Believing that cleaners were preparing the site, and seeing a heavy police presence, many grew convinced the arrival of asylum seekers was hours away.

"As it's going to be a covert operation, isn't it?" one man said. "They're not going to bring them in during the day."

Police officers on site answered tersely to questions. A local builder summed up the atmosphere: "Ordinarily, and I'm not being rude, you can hear nothing in Crowborough at this time."

The situation escalated when police authorised a notice to clear the area, granting them powers to disperse anyone likely to cause antisocial behaviour. For many in the crowd, this was evidence the area was being secured for the that night transfer of asylum seekers.

Unverified reports began to circulate. One man stated he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Soon later, a bus labelled "private service" went along the main road, with indistinct faces visible at the windows, fueling the speculation.

A local councillor present at the scene tried to reassure the angry man, stating that such buses were routine on that route, often transporting followers of a movement from a regional base.

Concerns and Grievances

Over the night, confrontations broke out between protesters and police. Anger was vented at the alleged lack of transparency from authorities.

"You don't know no idea who they are! They're unvetted!" yelled one man at an officer. "Everything would be totally turned if one of your daughters was harmed, though?"

Allegations of two-tier policing were made, with some arguing that white British people were being treated differently by the police.

Several residents voiced upset at how they were being depicted of their protests, notably after a weekend march attended by a large crowd.

"This isn't about being extremists," insisted one woman. "We are a very affluent area. They are just ordinary residents who don't want this in our town."

She went on, "Our concern is a large number of men we know absolutely nothing about being dumped here. That is alarming. It wouldn't matter what background, I would carry on protesting."

The Drama That Fizzled Out

As the night wore on, the drama dissipated. By the middle of the night, it became apparent that no asylum seekers were being brought that night, and the crowd went home.

Behind the scenes, a toxic political dispute was underway. Local councillors and the local MP were trading accusations, with allegations of misinformation and poor judgement being made.

One local leader stated the MP of being "reckless" and spreading "fake news" that created division and worry within the community.

Uncertainty Remains

Irrespective of the disputes, few in the area were pleased with the disruptive focus brought upon the town. One resident commented that a friend felt "disappointed" of Crowborough because of the protests, though the friend would be afraid to say so openly.

The next day, fresh rumours emerged among protesters of a significant police presence at the camp, suggesting that arrivals were possible from that day onwards.

And so, with little concrete information, the state of apprehension began to start again.