🔗 Share this article

Within the packed shelves of a hardware store in an East Sussex community, there is a noticeable empty space on the wall where kitchen knives were once shown.

Local whispers claim this alteration is tied to the dominant news story consuming the town: the reported imminent arrival of hundreds of people seeking refuge at a local army cadet site.

The store supervisor states he was asked to move the knives by officers as part of a separate safety drive. "In light of the timing, whether that's connected to the camp, I don't know," he notes.

A Town Consumed by Apprehension

This episode is symptomatic of the pervasive fear and doubt in this town of around 22,000 residents. Locals are fighting against plans to house up to 540 unaccompanied men asylum seekers at the military site.

The site was reportedly identified as part of a national vow to transfer asylum seekers out of temporary lodgings. Even with government assurances that nothing is confirmed has been made, many locals are preparing for what they see as an imposed change on their tranquil community.

Groups and Perceptions

Allegations of taking the law into one's own hands have been directed towards the community after a locally formed group set up to monitor the area at night, in high-visibility vests.

Members of this initiative are eager to distance themselves from the "lawless" tag. "It's just absurd," states one participant, a former scout leader. "It's just all men above the age of 40. It's just crazy."

They claim their goal is to respond to local anxieties and position themselves as a visible neighbourhood watch prior to any potential arrivals.

"We have a lengthy response time for the police to respond. So if you're in trouble, you've practically have to request someone to pause harming you momentarily?" one member states.

They stress they would only act in the extreme of circumstances, having received advice on the legal limits of a citizen's arrest.

Differing Opinions in the Community

While the majority of people in the town who spoke publicly disagree with the proposal, there are contrasting perspectives. One shop proprietor, who himself relocated to the UK in the past, comments on the welcome he received.

"I think it's alright for people to seek shelter," he said, referencing that new arrivals is a feature across Europe. "Every country accepts people."

However, this accepting attitude was scarcely in view on a particular Tuesday evening. Tensions were palpable outside the gated facility.

Hours of Unrest

A group of about 50 protesters had gathered near the camp entrance. Convinced that staff were setting up the site, and noting a heavy police presence, many grew convinced the transfer of asylum seekers was hours away.

"Because it's going to be a secretive action, isn't it?" one man stated. "They'd never bring them in during the day."

Police officers on site answered briefly to questions. A protester captured the scene: "Usually, and I'm not being rude, you can hear absolute silence in Crowborough at night."

The situation intensified when police enacted a public order power, granting them powers to move on anyone likely to cause antisocial behaviour. For many in the crowd, this was proof the area was being prepared for the immediate arrival of asylum seekers.

Baseless rumours began to circulate. One man insisted he had seen vehicles carrying asylum seekers. Soon later, a bus labelled "private service" drove past the main road, with shadowy faces seen at the windows, intensifying the speculation.

A elected representative present at the scene tried to correct the agitated man, stating that such buses were common on that route, often transporting followers of a religious group from a nearby headquarters.

Concerns and Frustrations

During the night, heated arguments broke out between the crowd and police. Anger was vented at the perceived lack of transparency from the government.

"You don't know no idea who they are! They're not screened!" screamed one man at an officer. "Everything would be totally turned if one of your family members was harmed, right?"

Claims of two-tier policing were made, with some arguing that certain groups were being treated unfairly by the police.

A number of residents voiced upset at how they were being depicted of their actions, especially after a weekend march attended by many people.

"We're not far right," said one woman. "We are a respectable area. They are just concerned citizens who object to this in our community."

She added, "The problem is a large number of men we know nothing about being placed here. That is frightening. This doesn't matter what colour, I would continue protesting."

An Evening That Ended

As the night wore on, the tension fizzled out. By the middle of the night, it became obvious that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and most people went home.

Behind the scenes, a toxic blame game was underway. Elected representatives and the member of parliament were trading accusations, with charges of stirring up trouble and poor judgement being made.

One local leader accused the MP of being "wildly irresponsible" and spreading "fake news" that increased fear and anxiety within the community.

Apprehension Continues

Irrespective of the political wrangling, few in the area were content with the unwanted spotlight brought upon the town. One local said that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the unrest, though the friend would be afraid to say so aloud.

The next day, new messages emerged among concerned residents of a renewed police presence at the camp, indicating that arrivals were possible from that day on.

And so, with no official confirmation, the cycle of commotion threatened to continue.