Hundreds of furious residents have taken to the streets to protest against government plans to move hundreds of lone male asylum seekers into an army training camp.
The Home Office intends to transfer around 600 migrants to the military site in Crowborough, East Sussex by the end of next month – a move locals say has been forced on the community with virtually no consultation.
The mounting anger follows revelations that cadets based at the camp could be removed to make way for the arrivals.
Protesters turned out in their hundreds this morning, many draped in English flags and holding placards, marking the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations as frustration reaches boiling point.
Today, six hundred marchers wore numbered bibs to highlight the number of asylum seekers expected to be housed at the site next week.
Crowborough is one of two locations earmarked to take in small-boat arrivals with minimal warning, leaving families, councillors and campaigners scrambling for answers.
Furious residents have taken to the streets once again in a major backlash against government plans to move hundreds of lone male asylum seekers into an army training camp on the edge of Crowborough, East Sussex
The Home Office intends to transfer around 600 migrants to the military site in Crowborough, East Sussex by the end of next month
Residents say the proposal is particularly alarming in light of reports that at least 200 people living in asylum hotels had been charged with criminal offences
UKIP Leader Nick Teconi joined the protesters today wearing numbers to signify the amount of asylum seekers expected at Crowborough Army Camp
A sign during an anti-immigration protest near Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex
Residents say the proposal is particularly alarming in light of reports that at least 200 people living in asylum hotels had been charged with criminal offences – including sexual assaults -up to August this year.
Adult cadet instructors are now considering suspending all training once the migrants are moved in, warning that they cannot guarantee the safeguarding of youngsters on site.
Senior instructors have voiced deep concern about mixing the youth detachments with an influx of adult males and say the risks remain unresolved.
In recent days, large fences have gone up around the perimeter and security guards with dogs have been seen patrolling the area as preparations continue for the arrival of more than 500 asylum seekers.
Parents and cadet volunteers — none of whom have official training — have reportedly taken it upon themselves to carry out ‘counter patrols’ near pick-up and drop-off times to monitor any potential risks.
Crowborough Shield, a residents’ group opposing the plans, warned that cadets ‘will be displaced, with no alternative location offered.’
The Ministry of Defence told the Telegraph it takes the ‘safety and wellbeing of all cadets extremely seriously and that it ‘continues to work with the Home Office to assess the potential impact that housing asylum seekers on military bases could have on our Cadet Forces.’
Crowborough locals have been seen sporting signs with messages such as ‘stop rewarding, start deporting’.
Crowborough has a population of around 22,000 and locals believe their way of life could be threatened by the asylum seekers.
Crowborough has a population of around 22,000 and locals believe their way of life could be threatened by the asylum seekers
People attend a protest against asylum seekers being housed at an army training camp
Today, six hundred marchers wore numbered bibs to highlight the number of asylum seekers expected to be housed at the site next week
Crowds on the village green started to dwindle when UKIP leader Nick Tenconi started speaking
Organisers handed out 600 numbered cards to marchers.
Penny Saunders, 58, an office administrator carried number 600.
She said: ‘I’m Crowborough born and bred. I haven’t marched before but I’m in total agreement with it. It will make a huge difference to our community.
‘I’ve seen catastrophic changes already. Our local services can’t cope as it is. I’ve seen crime rise and it’ll only get worse.
‘This is about community and the fact these men will be undocumented. It is about safety. The reason people want to live here is about the community and safety It is not about racism,’ Penny said.
Adam, who declined to give his surname, carried number one.
The 43-year-old company director from Crowborough said: ‘I wanted to make a stand against what is being imposed on our community.
‘I want to protect my mum, my wife and daughter. We will be here until we don’t have to come any more.’
Two marches started in Crowborough in pouring rain before converging in the town centre and heading to a rally.
Organisers estimated up to 3000 people braved near torrential rain.
Crowds on the village green started to dwindle when UKIP leader Nick Tenconi started speaking.
He told the crowd his home town of Eastbourne was now full of ‘invader hotels’ whose owners had taken 30 pieces of silver from the Home Office to house migrants.
‘We don’t want our daughters and wives raped and murdered,’ he said.
Chair of the Crowborough Shield campaign group Kim Bailey said: ‘We have never wanted this to become a political campaign. This is still all about Crowborough.’
Another march and rally are planned next weekend.
