Asylum seekers escaping war-torn regions may experience renewed trauma if housed in close proximity to a police firearms training facility, activists warn.
The government recently revealed intentions to provide temporary shelter for 600 individuals at a military training camp on the outskirts of Crowborough, East Sussex. However, concerns have been raised as the site is located just 1.2 miles from the Sussex Police Training Centre, Kingstanding, where activities such as firearms drills, taser training, and police dog exercises are conducted, according to campaigners.
Nicola David from One Life to Live, an advocate against large asylum seeker accommodation sites, expressed worries about the potential distress caused by sounds of gunfire to those seeking refuge from war and persecution. Similarly, Tim Naor Hilton, the Chief Executive of Refugee Action, emphasized the unsuitability of large military camps as safe living spaces for asylum seekers. He highlighted the risks of psychological harm and urged the government to address the housing crisis by investing in community housing solutions.
Adding to the concerns, Nathan Phillips of Asylum Matters stressed the importance of providing housing within communities rather than isolated camps, voicing the inadequacy of the proposed location in Crowborough.
The Home Office faced criticism for lack of transparency regarding the Crowborough plans, with local residents and officials expressing apprehensions about staffing, public safety, and additional strain on public services. Despite the Home Office’s assertion that military sites offer better outcomes and alleviate community impact, various groups continue to raise objections, citing potential human rights violations and financial inefficiency.
Labour has committed to discontinuing the use of hotels for asylum accommodation before the upcoming election, while Sussex Police refrained from disclosing detailed information about the Kingstanding training site due to operational reasons.
Efforts to obtain a response from the government regarding these concerns are ongoing.
