The asylum seeker camp in Crowborough could cost more than £5.5M in additional policing, according to new estimates.
The figure has been provided by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, who says the scale of the operation needed to manage the site and respond to protests could place significant pressure on policing budgets.
The warning follows large-scale demonstrations in Crowborough at the weekend, where hundreds of people took to the streets to protest against the use of the former military training camp to house asylum seekers. It was the biggest protest seen in the town since the men were first moved onto the site.
Around 27 asylum seekers are currently living at the camp, but government plans indicate the site could eventually accommodate up to 500 people. The Home Office says the move is part of a wider strategy to reduce reliance on hotels for asylum accommodation, which it argues are costly and unsuitable for long-term use.
Police have reiterated that peaceful protest is lawful and will be facilitated, but any disorder, intimidation or criminal behaviour will be dealt with robustly. They say officers will continue to work with local partners to maintain public safety.
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