Crowborough locals form patrol group as nearby migrant accommodation site sparks safety fears

Crowborough Aware are a resident led patrol group, formed earlier this year in response to community concerns about behaviour linked to the nearby accommodation site.

There are now 81 volunteers, all of whom the group say have undergone official security checks. They patrol the streets three times a day, seven days a week.

Dave Williams, founder of the group, said “we’re a visible presence to provide the feeling of safety, security and to stop any potential issues occurring, so we’re a deterrent".

“There was one incident that I recall where a lady came running out of the darkness, she said she was being followed, and we walked her home.” He told us.

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Another incident took place just after we finished filming with the group, this time involving migrants from the camp.

Sussex Police later confirmed officers were called to Crowborough at around 9:15pm on April the 29th, following reports of anti-social behaviour involving a group of people.

Describing what happened, Mr Williams said, “A member of the public started to record. A migrant wasn't happy with this, so he started grabbing at his phone.”

He continued, “the individual then grabbed the member of the public physically. Four of the six migrants surrounded the member of the public, intimidating.”

Mr Williams said that the member of the public, who decided not to press charges, “felt very threatened".

Sussex Police said: “officers attended the scene, engaged with those involved as well as members of the public, and the group later returned to the camp.”

Crowborough has been home to a temporary accommodation site for asylum seekers since early last year, set up as part of wider efforts to house people while their claims are processed.

It’s understood the site is currently housing around 350 migrants.

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A Home Office spokesperson said: "This government is removing the incentives drawing illegal migrants to Britain. The population in asylum hotels has fallen by nearly 20 per cent in the last year and by 45 per cent since the peak under the previous government - helping reduce asylum support costs by nearly £1 billion.”

“We are working closely and routinely with Sussex Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place for the safety and security of the wider community and asylum seekers,” said the Home Office.

In a wider statement from Sussex Police, Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “We know that the use of the Crowborough Training Camp for asylum accommodation has caused concern within the community.”

He confirmed that “police presence has been increased in Crowborough and the surrounding area to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reassurance.”

He added, “We will continue to work with our partners to support the local community, and encourage anyone with concerns to speak with their neighbourhood officers in the street or at their local police station.”

But the site has sparked debate locally, with some residents raising concerns about its impact, and others calling for more support for those staying there.

And it led to the creation of 'Crowborough Aware'. Some critics have labelled the group 'vigilantes', a description the volunteers strongly reject.

Volunteer, James Mason, said “A lot of our community are concerned for their safety. I understand that and I hope this just alleviates some of their concern.”

The group said they fear that with warmer months ahead, they will be busier than ever.

With the full involvement and backing of locals, Crowborough Aware says it will continue to patrol the streets.

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