As campaigners voice concerns, asylum seekers escaping war zones may face additional trauma if housed near a police firearms test center, according to reports.
The government has recently revealed plans to house 600 individuals temporarily at a military training camp in Crowborough, East Sussex, located just 1.2 miles from the Sussex Police Training Centre, Kingstanding. Activists argue that this police facility is utilized for firearms, taser, and police dog training exercises.
Nicola David from One Life to Live, an advocate against large-scale asylum seeker containment sites, expressed worries about the potential retraumatizing effects on asylum seekers hearing shooting sounds. She highlighted the proximity of the training camp to the police activities, which could trigger distress for those already fleeing war and persecution.
Refugee Action’s Chief Executive, Tim Naor Hilton, emphasized that large military camps are not suitable for people seeking safety, citing the risk of suicide and harm as highlighted in a recent Home Affairs Committee report. He urged the government to focus on addressing the national housing crisis and investing in social housing to accommodate all individuals in need, including asylum seekers.
Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, echoed concerns about inappropriate accommodation, stating that everyone deserves to be housed in a community setting rather than a camp. The noise of gunfire and explosions at the proposed location in Crowborough is deemed unsuitable for individuals seeking sanctuary.
The Home Office recently apologized for lack of transparency regarding the Crowborough plans during a meeting with concerned locals and councillors. They mentioned that the accommodation costs at the camp would be similar to hotels but with simpler and less comfortable living conditions. The camp, designed for around 540 people, aims to be self-contained with health and recreational facilities.
Various worries, including staffing, police support, strain on public services, and public safety implications, have been raised regarding the camp. Concerns about human rights violations and inefficient use of taxpayer money were also highlighted by advocacy groups. The government’s decision to use military sites for housing asylum seekers has faced criticism, with promises from the opposition Labour Party to cease using hotels for this purpose before the next election.
Sussex Police clarified that the Kingstanding site serves as a training ground for their force and others, and no further details could be disclosed for operational reasons.
The government has been contacted for comment on the matter.