A legal battle has been launched in the high court over Government plans to move hundreds of asylum seekers into a military camp in east Sussex.
Crowborough Shield, a community-led campaign group, has lodged an application for a full judicial review of the decision to place more than 500 asylum seekers at the camp.
The Government says the camp will help in its pledge to stop using hotels to house asylum seekers.
But Crowborough Shield says there has been a lack of transparency surrounding the decision and have raised serious concerns about staffing at the camp, police provision and the impact on health services.
It comes as police had to arrest a man over ‘violent disorder’ outside the local barracks on Tuesday.
In a statement the campaign group, which has raised almost £70,000 to pay legal fees, said: ‘We can confirm that, on behalf of the people of Crowborough, we have issued proceedings against the Home Secretary in respect of her decision to house migrants at Crowborough Camp.
‘We are seeking judicial review to overturn the decision. Our position is that the government’s actions breach the community’s common law rights to justice and procedural fairness.
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Patrol group members are distinguishable by their red baseball caps and high-vis jackets
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The Crowborough Training Camp previously housed Afghan refugees
‘We rely on Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects our right to a fair hearing. Our position is that residents have been denied the opportunity to understand, scrutinise, or challenge the decision-making process.’
Kim Bailey, director of the group, said: ‘There is huge frustration in the community that a decision with such a fundamental impact on our town has been made without consultation or engagement.
‘It feels as though the government doesn’t think we matter. The barracks site is unsuitable for housing asylum seekers – many of whom will have fled conflict and trauma – and its location beside the Ashdown Forest risks significant environmental harm. In the absence of any clear information, fear and uncertainty are growing across the town.’
Polly Glynn, a solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn who is representing Crowborough Shield, said the case would test the limits of government power over community’s right to be heard over decisions.
On Tuesday night several police cars raced to the scene after an alleged confrontation between a protester and a worker attempting to leave ended in a report of assault.
Sussex Police issue a temporary section 34 dispersal notice giving officers powers to order people to leave roads surrounding the barracks.
Chief Supt Nick Dias said a 44-year-old man from Heathfield was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
‘Investigations are continuing into several reported assaults and threats of violence during the incident.’
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Around 1,500 residents marched through the streets to protest against the Home Office plans yesterday
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The Crowborough Patrol will wander the town centre day and night wearing hi-vis jackets and red baseball caps
He said he knew the proposed use of the training camp had ’caused concern within the community’.
‘We recognise the public’s right to peacefully protest and express their views. The vast majority of those who have taken part in recent demonstrations have done so lawfully and respectfully.
‘However, when the actions of a small minority stray into criminality, we will take appropriate action.’
Last week a group of residents were branded ‘vigilantes’ after they set up a patrol to tackle anti-social behaviour after the arrival of the migrant in the town.
The Crowborough Patrol will wander the town centre day and night wearing hi-viz jackets and red baseball caps.
Patrol members joined thousands of residents in the market town who have marched through the streets against the move.
One resident criticised the move saying the launch of the patrol only added to tensions in the 22,000-resident town.
He said: ‘A bunch of vigilantes with too much time on their hands is the last thing this town needs.
‘It is already a powder keg situation and what we don’t need is for a self-appointed gang ready to put a flame to it. It’s a provocation and should be stopped by the police.’
Work has already started on making the army cadet training camp fit to house 540 asylum seekers with accommodation, toilet blocks and security fencing being erected.
A group of protesters staged a picket at the entrance into the camp in an attempt to challenge workers carrying out construction at at the camp.
On Monday the 37-acre site officially ceased to be a Ministry of Defence base with the Home Office becoming the new landlord.
As well as legal action launched by Crowborough Shield, Weald District Council says it is taking the advice of senior barristers to explore what legal channels may be open to them should the Government press ahead with the plans.
The camp itself has a proud history going back to the war, when it was used by Canadian forces preparing for D-Day.
Residents, especially those that live on their own, say they are installing panic alarms in their homes over safety fears.
The Home Office has apologised for its handling of its plans to use the the Crowborough camp to house asylum seekers but says it is determined to stamp out the use of hotels to house migrants.
