Theguardian iconTheguardianOct 1, 2026

It was the most welcoming town in Britain. Why has Crowborough become so divided?

This year, the arrival of more than 300 asylum seekers has split the community. It's Sunday morning and in the East Sussex town of Crowborough a few dozen anti-migrant activists are waving union jacks outside a travel agent.

It was the most welcoming town in Britain. Why has Crowborough become so divided?

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This year, the arrival of more than 300 asylum seekers has split the community.

It's Sunday morning and in the East Sussex town of Crowborough a few dozen anti-migrant activists are waving union jacks outside a travel agent.

A few yards away, a similar number of protesters are supporting the asylum seekers being housed at a nearby military camp.

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This year, the arrival of more than 300 asylum seekers has split the community. It's Sunday morning and in the East Sussex town of Crowborough a few dozen anti-migrant activists are waving union jacks outside a travel agent. A few yards away, a similar number of protesters are supporting the asylum seekers being housed at a nearby military camp.

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In 2022, they opened their arms to Ukrainian refugees. Their sound system is blasting out a song about "lefty lemons".

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