Plans to house up to 600 asylum seekers at the Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex are prompting widespread debate and concern among local residents. The proposals, set out by the Home Office, are being discussed at meetings today following a weekend of protests in the town.
Wealden District Councillors considered the issue for the first time this morning after receiving formal notification that the former military site could be used for temporary accommodation. The government says the move would help reduce reliance on hotels while providing a secure location for people waiting for decisions on their asylum claims.
Later this evening, Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani will host two public meetings at the Crowborough Community Centre. She’s expected to share the latest information from the Home Office and listen to concerns from residents. The MP has already said she opposes the plans, describing the site as unsuitable for large-scale accommodation.
On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered in Crowborough to march against the proposals. Demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans, calling on the government to rethink its approach. Many said they were frustrated by what they see as a lack of consultation and communication from central government.
The Home Office has not yet confirmed when a final decision will be made.
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