Barracks asylum seeker plan likely delayed

The Home Office earlier confirmed plans to house asylum seekers at Crowborough's military training camp for a year

Plans to temporarily house 540 single, male asylum seekers at a military barracks in East Sussex look likely to be delayed.

The men are to be placed at an army training camp on the outskirts of Crowborough for about 12 months, according to the latest Home Office details.

Wealden District Council previously said it had been told by the government that the men would be moved into the camp in late November.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We will not replicate the mistakes of the past where rushed plans have led to unsafe and chaotic situations that impacts the local community."

They added the government was "continuing to accelerate plans to move people into Crowborough" and Cameron Barracks, which is near Inverness.

But would not do so until "the sites are fully operational and safe".

It is unclear when the men will be housed in Crowborough, or the reasons behind the delay.

Hundreds of people recently took to the streets in protest at the proposals.

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