🔗 Share this article

Inside the stuffed shelves of a tool shop in an East Sussex community, there is a noticeable gap on the wall where cutlery were once displayed.

Community rumours suggest this change is linked to the major news story consuming the town: the alleged imminent arrival of a large number of people seeking refuge at a nearby army cadet site.

The store supervisor comments he was requested to take down the knives by authorities as part of a general safety drive. "Given the timing, if that's connected to the camp, I am unsure," he remarks.

A Community Consumed by Confusion

This episode is typical of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of about 22,000 residents. Locals are actively opposing schemes to house up to 540 unaccompanied men asylum seekers at the cadet facility.

The location was allegedly selected as part of a national vow to move asylum seekers out of temporary lodgings. Even with ministerial statements that nothing is confirmed has been made, many inhabitants are preparing for what they see as an unwelcome incursion on their quiet community.

Groups and Labels

Claims of taking the law into one's own hands have been directed towards the community after a locally formed group began to patrol the streets at night, in identifiable gear.

Members of this group are keen to separate from the "vigilante" tag. "That is ridiculous," comments one founder, a ex- scout leader. "The group consists of all men above the age of 40. The whole thing is misguided."

They assert their purpose is to allay local anxieties and present themselves as a supportive neighbourhood watch ahead of any possible arrivals.

"There is a lengthy response time for the police to get here. So if you're in trouble, you've got to hope someone to pause attacking you momentarily?" one member states.

They emphasise they would only intervene in the most serious of situations, having had guidance on the legal limits of a civilian detention.

Mixed Voices in the Community

While most people in the town who spoke publicly are against the scheme, there are dissenting voices. One shop proprietor, who himself came to the UK in the past, comments on the kindness he received.

"In my view it's alright for people to seek shelter," he said, referencing that migration is a reality across Europe. "All nations accepts people."

However, this welcoming attitude was not much in view on a particular Tuesday evening. Tensions were palpable outside the gated facility.

Evening of Tension

A crowd of about 50 protesters had congregated near the camp entrance. Suspecting that staff were preparing the site, and observing a significant police presence, many started to believe the movement of asylum seekers was hours away.

"Since it's going to be a covert action, right?" one man said. "They won't bring them in during the day."

Police officers present answered briefly to questions. A local builder described the scene: "Usually, and I'm not being rude, you can hear absolute silence in Crowborough at this time."

The standoff worsened when police authorised a public order power, granting them authority to move on anyone likely to cause disorder. For many in the crowd, this was confirmation the area was being prepared for the immediate transfer of asylum seekers.

Baseless reports began to circulate. One man claimed he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Moments later, a coach labelled "private service" went along the main road, with unidentifiable faces visible at the windows, fueling the speculation.

A elected representative involved in the scene tried to correct the angry man, stating that such buses were common on that route, often transporting adherents of a religious group from a regional base.

Fears and Frustrations

Over the night, confrontations broke out between residents and police. Irritation was directed at the perceived lack of transparency from the government.

"You don't know no idea who they are! They're unvetted!" yelled one man at an officer. "Perspectives would be completely different if one of your family members was harmed, wouldn't it?"

Claims of bias were thrown, with some stating that residents were being treated differently by the police.

Many residents stated anger at how they were being depicted of their concerns, particularly after a public rally attended by thousands.

"We're not extremists," stated one woman. "It's a quiet, normal area. They are just normal people who object to this in our town."

She continued, "The problem is a large number of men we know zero about being dumped here. It's frightening. It wouldn't matter what colour, I would continue protesting."

The Drama That Fizzled Out

In the end, the tension subsided. By the middle of the night, it became apparent that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and protesters went home.

On a broader level, a toxic war of words was afoot. Elected representatives and the member of parliament were blaming each other, with allegations of misinformation and political motives being levelled.

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

Apprehension Remains

Regardless of the political wrangling, few in the area were pleased with the unwanted spotlight brought upon the town. One local remarked that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the protests, though the friend would be reluctant to say so openly.

The next day, new rumours spread among protesters of a renewed police presence at the camp, suggesting that arrivals were imminent from that day onwards.

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