🔗 Share this article

Among the stuffed shelves of a DIY outlet in Crowborough, there is a striking vacancy on the wall where cooking blades were once exhibited.

Town gossip suggest this removal is connected to the dominant news story occupying the town: the reported forthcoming accommodation of several hundred of individuals claiming asylum at a nearby military training camp.

The store manager explains he was asked to take down the knives by police as part of a broader blade awareness campaign. "In light of the timing, whether that's connected to the camp, I am unsure," he notes.

A Town Gripped by Apprehension

This episode is characteristic of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of about 22,000 residents. Townspeople are challenging schemes to house up to 540 single adult male asylum seekers at the training camp.

The location was allegedly identified as part of a national commitment to move asylum seekers out of temporary lodgings. Despite ministerial comments that no definitive choice has been made, many locals are bracing for what they see as an unwelcome incursion on their tranquil community.

Watches and Perceptions

Allegations of taking the law into one's own hands have been directed towards the community after a resident-run group began to monitor the area at night, in distinctive attire.

Members of this group are eager to distance themselves from the "vigilante" description. "It's just ludicrous," states one founder, a ex- scout leader. "It's just all men above the age of 40. The whole thing is misguided."

They claim their purpose is to address community fears and establish themselves as a visible community presence before any potential arrivals.

"There is a long delay for the police to get here. So if you're being attacked, you've practically have to request someone to pause attacking you momentarily?" one member states.

They emphasise they would only intervene in the most serious of situations, having received training on the extent of a civilian detention.

Divergent Views in the Community

Even though the majority of people in the town polled are against the proposal, there are dissenting views. One local business owner, who himself relocated to the UK previously, observes on the welcome he received.

"I believe it's acceptable for people to seek shelter," he said, noting that migration is a fact across Europe. "Everyone hosts people."

However, this more relaxed attitude was not much in view on a recent Tuesday evening. Apprehension were elevated outside the training camp.

Hours of Unrest

A crowd of about 50 concerned residents had congregated near the camp entrance. Believing that cleaners were preparing the site, and seeing a significant police presence, many began to suspect the arrival of asylum seekers was happening that night.

"Because it's going to be a middle of the night operation, surely?" one man stated. "They'd never bring them in during the day."

Police officers deployed replied curtly to questions. A resident captured the scene: "Normally, and I'm not exaggerating, you can hear a pin drop in Crowborough at night."

The standoff intensified when police enacted 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 imminent arrival of asylum seekers.

Unconfirmed rumours began to fly. One man insisted he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Soon later, a coach labelled "contract bus" passed by the main road, with unidentifiable faces seen at the windows, feeding the speculation.

A community figure involved in the scene attempted to calm the agitated man, stating that such buses were regular on that route, often transporting followers of a movement from a local centre.

Fears and Anger

Over the night, tense exchanges occurred between protesters and police. Irritation was aimed towards the perceived lack of transparency from the government.

"We have no idea who they are! They're not processed!" screamed one man at an officer. "Everything would be completely different if one of your family members was attacked, though?"

Claims of bias were thrown, with some claiming that white British people were being treated unfairly by the police.

Many residents expressed upset at media portrayals of their protests, notably after a weekend march attended by thousands.

"We're not extremists," said one woman. "This is a very affluent area. They are just normal people who are opposed to this in our community."

She continued, "Our concern is a large number of men we know zero about being housed here. That is frightening. This doesn't matter what background, I would still be protesting."

A Night That Fizzled Out

Eventually, the tension subsided. By the small hours, it became apparent that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and protesters dispersed.

On a broader level, a heated political dispute was afoot. Local councillors and the member of parliament were trading accusations, with claims of irresponsibility and political motives being levelled.

One senior councillor stated the MP of being "deliberately misleading" and spreading "fake news" that created division and worry within the community.

Speculation Persists

Irrespective of the disputes, few in the area were pleased with the negative attention brought upon the town. One local remarked that a friend felt "disappointed" of Crowborough because of the scenes, though the friend would be hesitant to say so publicly.

The next day, further rumours spread among concerned residents of a renewed police presence at the camp, sparking fears that arrivals were expected from that day on.

And so, with no official confirmation, the pattern of speculation threatened to repeat.