Leaders of council left disappointed after meeting with Minister over Crowborough Army Camp

Wealden District Council’s council leaders report feeling dismayed and let down by the government following their meeting with Home Office Minister Alex Norris yesterday.

Councillor James Partridge and Councillor Rachel Millward met with the Minister to request an update on the government decision making about Crowborough Army Camp and to urge the Minister to rule out using it as a temporary site for asylum seekers. They impressed upon the Minister that this issue was already having a serious impact on the local community.  

Despite saying that detailed planning for legal and safe use of the site continues, all the Minister would disclose is that a decision has not yet been made. He rowed back on a previous promise to send the council all the documents that they had. Citing 'legal advice', the Minister now said the government are limited in what they can disclose to the council and cannot do better than they currently are. 

Responding to this, the council said it remains strongly opposed to the use of this site and the leaders of the council stressed this to the Minister.

After the meeting, the leaders said, “The lack of communication and information from the Home Office is driving real fears for residents and people want answers. Residents need to know how the site would be managed safely. They no longer have confidence in general assurances that their safety and security are a priority. The lack of engagement with the council and local people is not good enough, but it doesn't look like the Minister is listening. We are dismayed at the way the government is treating Crowborough and our residents and the apparent total lack of concern being shown for us.”