Protest over plan to house 600 asylum seekers in town

A protest has taken place in an East Sussex town over government plans to house 600 asylum seekers in a military site.

The government announced plans in October for the asylum seekers to be housed in an army training camp on the outskirts of Crowborough.

Sussex Police confirmed that a planned peaceful protest had taken place on Sunday morning in the town, and no arrests were made.

A Home Office spokesperson told the BBC it was "furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels in this country".

Moving asylum seekers to military sites, including the site in Crowborough, is part of the government's attempt to end the controversial use of hotels – something it has pledged to do before the next election.

The Home Office spokesperson said: "It is why work is under way to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation such as military bases, to ease pressure on communities across the country.

"Public safety remains our first priority.

"We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and the local community as we transition away from using hotels."

The Home Office has apologised over its handling of the plans to house asylum seekers at the Crowborough military site.

Wealden District Council had criticised the Home Office over an "information vacuum" around the plans, which it said had fuelled community tensions and threats against councillors.

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