Crowborough protests continue over plan to house migrants

Hundreds marched in Crowborough for the tenth consecutive Sunday against a government plan to house about 540 male asylum seekers at a former army camp, and a local residents' group has launched a legal challenge.

Hundreds of people marched through Crowborough on Sunday to protest a government plan to house nearly 600 male migrants at a former army camp. The demonstration was the tenth consecutive Sunday of protests since the plan was announced in October. Around 540 male asylum seekers are set to move into the Sussex town's army barracks as part of a move to reduce the use of hotels. Local campaigners say they have not been given a timeline for when that might happen. Key facts: - Hundreds of protesters marched through Crowborough for the tenth Sunday in a row. - Around 540 male asylum seekers are reported to be set to move into a former army camp in the town. - The Crowborough Shield residents' group has launched a legal challenge and its appeal fund has reached about £90,000. - The Home Office has apologised for its handling of the plans and has said no final decision or clear timeline has been provided to campaigners. Summary: The repeated weekly protests indicate sustained local opposition and have led to a legal challenge by a residents' group. Undetermined at this time when or if the asylum seekers will be moved into the site; officials say no final decision has been announced.