First migrants moved into army camp in Crowborough despite weeks of protests

The first illegal migrants have arrived at an army camp overnight as part of controversial plans to house 540 asylum seekers at the barracks.

The migrants arrived at Crowborough army camp on a 16-seater coach in the early hours of the morning.

The Home Office have confirmed that 27 asylum seekers have now moved onto the site, where they will be housed for three months while their claim is processed.

The move is part of the government’s plans to end the use of expensive migrant hotels, but has sparked weekly protests in the Sussex town.

The coach carrying the first arrivals was bused in under the cover of darkness at 3am this morning, alongside a police escort.

A large police presence remains outside the camp today, with the government stressing there is specialist around-the-clock security in place at the camp.

The leader of the local Wealden District Council said the Home Office ‘hasn’t listened to any of us’ over their objections to the plans.

He added that ‘a lot of people are angry, frightened and worried’ about the camp being used to house the asylum seekers.

Metro has also spoken to locals who want to welcome the migrants.

Aaron Stevens, who helps to run a local group to support refugees, said: ‘We need to try and make the best of the situation, rather than meeting people with hatred.

‘We want to provide support be kind. Our group is apolitical. We want to provide care for them as we did previously for Ukrainians.’

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ‘Illegal migration has been placing immense pressure on communities.

‘That is why we are removing the incentives that draw illegal migrants to Britain, closing asylum hotels that are blighting communities.

‘Crowborough is just the start. I will bring forward site after site until every asylum hotel is closed and returned to local communities.

‘I will not rest until order and control to our borders is restored.’

More than 400 asylum hotels were opened under the last government, costing £9million a day.

While many have been closed, just under 200 asylum hotels still remain in use.

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