The protest was held at Prownborough asylum looking for a military site

Hundreds of people attended a protest against plans to house asylum seekers at a military site in East Sussex.

The government recently announced that 600 people were being temporarily housed in a training camp outside Crownborough.

Local resident Keith Brown said: “When you throw any 600 young people of undocumented, unknown origin into a small town, you’re asking for trouble.”

A home office spokesman said “the right to protest is central to our democracy”.

The spokesman added: “This government will end every asylum hotel.

“Work is well underway, with more suitable sites being brought in to keep the pressure off communities across the country.”

Resident Ben Grant told the BBC the plans were “about many residents”.

“Thankfully after our last council meeting, I have many vulnerable, elderly and especially women who told me that they are very worried about their safety,” he said.

Fellow resident Rachel Nichols added:

Steve Smith, from the Cavueine Charity Care4Calais, told the BBC: “In terms of people seeking asylum, the government has a duty, at home that is not good.”

He said Crowborough was a “Dilapidated Old Army Camp”, adding it would “cost a lot to set up” as accommodation for asylum seekers.

“From my perspective, keeping people in the former barracks is not the best use of money and for asylum seekers,” Gr Smith said.

He said because many have gone through traumatic experiences, including war, imprisonment and modern day slavery, the children’s home is “not the best place for people who have had these experiences”.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne was at the protest.

He said: “I am here today because I am angry as local residents about this migrant camp being opened.”

Bourne said the plan had been “thoroughly thrown out” and there had been “consultation”.

“Although I have not been warned about it,” he said.

Last week, the government said the military sites were being considered with the aim of reducing the impact on communities and delivering better outcomes for taxpayers.

Wealden District Constric has called for a change in the plans, claiming it has “absolutely failed” to engage with the community or provide assurances of safety to asylum seekers and residents.

Relocating asylum seekers to military sites is part of the government’s attempt to end the controversial use of hotels – something it has promised to do before the next election.

The government added that the site will comply with safety and security standards.

As of June, about 32,000 asylum seekers were housed in hotels, up from a peak of more than 56,000 by 2023, according to government figures.

The Wealden District Constricater raised concerns about “camp staffing, police provision and the further strain on an overstretched public service”.

A petition against the move was set up, which attracted around 6,000 signatures.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “A planned peaceful protest took place in the early hours of the morning.

“Officials are working to keep any disruption to the public and local businesses to a minimum.”