🔗 Share this article

Within the stuffed shelves of a tool shop in an East Sussex community, there is a striking empty space on the wall where cutlery were once exhibited.

Town gossip suggest this change is tied to the major news story gripping the town: the alleged forthcoming accommodation of hundreds of people seeking refuge at a nearby army cadet site.

The store supervisor states he was requested to move the knives by authorities as part of a separate blade awareness campaign. "In light of the current situation, the possibility that that's pertinent to the camp, I am unsure," he adds.

A Community Consumed by Confusion

This occurrence is typical of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of about 22,000 residents. Townspeople are actively opposing plans to house up to 540 single adult male asylum seekers at the cadet facility.

The venue was said to be chosen as part of a national vow to transfer asylum seekers out of hotel accommodation. Even with government comments that no definitive choice has been made, many residents are bracing for what they see as an disruptive arrival on their tranquil community.

Patrols and Perceptions

Accusations of taking the law into one's own hands have been directed towards the community after a community-based group set up to patrol the streets at night, in identifiable attire.

Members of this group are eager to distance themselves from the "vigilante" label. "That is ludicrous," comments one organiser, a former scout leader. "It's just all men past the age of 40. The whole thing is unfounded."

They maintain their purpose is to respond to resident concerns and position themselves as a visible neighbourhood watch ahead of any rumoured arrivals.

"We have a lengthy response time for the police to arrive. So if you're being attacked, you've got to hope someone to stop attacking you temporarily?" one member states.

They emphasise they would only get involved in the extreme of incidents, having undertaken advice on the legal limits of a citizen's arrest.

Mixed Opinions in the Community

Even though the majority of people in the town polled oppose the proposal, there are contrasting voices. One shop proprietor, who himself came to the UK previously, comments on the friendliness he received.

"I believe it's acceptable for people to arrive," he said, pointing out that new arrivals is a reality across Europe. "Every country hosts people."

However, this more relaxed stance was scarcely in view on a particular Tuesday evening. Apprehension were palpable outside the training camp.

Night of Speculation

A crowd of about 50 concerned residents had gathered near the camp entrance. Convinced that staff were readying the site, and noting a heavy police presence, many began to suspect the transfer of asylum seekers was hours away.

"As it's going to be a covert move, surely?" one man stated. "They'd never bring them in during the day."

Police officers deployed replied briefly to questions. A local builder described the atmosphere: "Usually, and I'm not exaggerating, you can hear nothing in Crowborough at this time."

The atmosphere escalated when police enacted a temporary dispersal order, granting them authority to remove anyone engaged in a disturbance. For many in the crowd, this was proof the area was being secured for the imminent movement of asylum seekers.

Unverified rumours began to circulate. One man stated he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Moments later, a bus labelled "private service" drove past the main road, with unidentifiable faces peering at the windows, feeding the speculation.

A local councillor involved in the scene attempted to correct the concerned man, stating that such buses were routine on that route, often transporting followers of a religious group from a nearby headquarters.

Fears and Frustrations

Over the night, confrontations erupted between the crowd and police. Irritation was aimed towards the apparent lack of transparency from authorities.

"We have no idea who they are! They're not screened!" shouted one man at an officer. "Everything would be totally turned if your own daughters was attacked, though?"

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

Many residents stated frustration at news coverage of their concerns, especially after a weekend march attended by a large crowd.

"This isn't about being far right," said one woman. "We are a respectable area. We are just ordinary residents who don't want this in our village."

She added, "The issue is hundreds of men we know zero about being housed here. It's frightening. It wouldn't matter what colour, I would continue protesting."

A Night That Came to Nothing

Eventually, the drama subsided. By the small hours, it became clear that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and the crowd went home.

Behind the scenes, a toxic war of words was raging. Politicians and the member of parliament were trading accusations, with claims of misinformation and ideological compliance being made.

One local leader accused the MP of being "wildly irresponsible" and spreading "misinformation" that heightened tension and distrust within the community.

Apprehension Continues

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

The next day, further messages emerged among activists of a significant police presence at the camp, suggesting that arrivals were expected from that day on.

And so, with only rumours to go on, the state of apprehension threatened to repeat.