Tensions are escalating in the East Sussex town of Crowborough following the government’s decision to repurpose a disused military barracks to house hundreds of asylum seekers. In response to mounting local anxieties and reported incidents of antisocial behavior, a group of local residents has formed “Crowborough Aware,” a volunteer citizen patrol operating seven days a week. The development underscores the growing friction between local communities and the Labour government’s strategy for managing the influx of migrants.

THE CROWBOROUGH BARRACKS PILOT The controversy in Crowborough centers on the Labour government’s recent policy shift regarding asylum seeker accommodation. Facing intense public pressure and significant financial costs associated with housing migrants in luxury hotels, the government announced a strategy to relocate asylum seekers to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and disused military facilities.

Crowborough, described by commentators as a quiet, middle-class town, was selected as a pilot location for this new policy, with plans to house an estimated 500 migrants in the local military barracks. However, unlike detention centers, residents of the facility are permitted to freely come and go into the surrounding community.

“They’re in less luxury in a military barracks, but they’re still allowed to just come and go as they please,” the host of the British Stand channel stated, criticizing the policy. “You cross over and enter into a country illegally, then yes, you get everything paid for, but then you’re not detained. You’re just allowed to wander around the local community.” .

CITIZEN PATROLS: “CROWBOROUGH AWARE” The presence of the large migrant facility has generated significant unease among the local population. In response, a group of 81 local volunteers established “Crowborough Aware.”

According to a GB News report featured on the British Stand broadcast, these volunteers conduct street patrols three times a day, seven days a week.

“We’re a visible presence… to provide the feel of safety, security, and to, you know, stop any potential issues occurring. So we’re a deterrent,” a spokesperson for Crowborough Aware stated. He recounted an incident where a frightened woman ran to the patrol from the darkness, claiming she was being followed, and the volunteers safely escorted her home .

While some critics have labeled the volunteers as “vigilantes,” the group strongly rejects the term. “A lot of our community are concerned for their safety. I understand that. And I hope this just alleviates some of their concern,” the spokesperson added.

REPORTS OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR The formation of the patrol appears to be linked to specific incidents. Shortly after GB News visited the town, Crowborough Aware volunteers reportedly attended an altercation involving migrants from the camp.

According to a volunteer’s account, a local resident began recording a group of migrants. One migrant allegedly grabbed at the resident’s phone and physically engaged him, while four other migrants surrounded the individual in an intimidating manner.

Sussex Police later confirmed to GB News that officers responded to a report of antisocial behavior involving a group of asylum seekers. No arrests were made, and the individuals returned to the camp .

The Home Office released a statement indicating it is working “closely and routinely with Sussex Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place” .

However, independent commentators argue the situation is unsustainable. The British Stand host argued that the migrants are “not compatible” with the local community, stating, “The people of Crowborough didn’t vote for it… But yet they’re being dumped, and now the English people are forced to go out there and actually protect their own communities.” .

The situation in Crowborough highlights a volatile flashpoint in the national debate over immigration, raising critical questions about community safety, policing resources, and the viability of the government’s military barracks housing strategy.