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Inside the stuffed shelves of a hardware store in a Sussex town, there is a noticeable gap on the wall where kitchen knives were once exhibited.

Community rumours indicate this removal is tied to the dominant news story occupying the town: the alleged imminent arrival of a large number of asylum seekers at a nearby defence facility.

The store supervisor comments he was requested to move the knives by officers as part of a general knife crime initiative. "Considering the timing, if that's connected to the camp, I am unsure," he adds.

A Community Gripped by Confusion

This incident is typical of the general confusion and apprehension in this town of approximately 22,000 residents. Residents are challenging schemes to house up to 540 single adult male asylum seekers at the cadet facility.

The venue was reportedly chosen as part of a ministerial commitment to transfer asylum seekers out of emergency housing. Despite government assurances that nothing is confirmed has been made, many residents are gearing up for what they view as an imposed change on their peaceful community.

Groups and Accusations

Allegations of unofficial policing have been aimed at the community after a resident-run group established to monitor the area at night, donning high-visibility attire.

Members of this patrol are eager to dissociate from the "reckless" description. "That is ludicrous," states one founder, a ex- scout leader. "We are all men over the age of 40. The notion is crazy."

They maintain their purpose is to address community fears and position themselves as a reassuring neighbourhood watch ahead of any possible arrivals.

"There is a lengthy response time for the police to get here. So if you're facing danger, you've got to hope someone to stop attacking you for a bit?" one member states.

They clarify they would only intervene in the extreme of situations, having had advice on the legal limits of a public detainment.

Differing Voices in the Community

Even though the majority of people in the town interviewed are against the scheme, there are dissenting views. One shop proprietor, who himself came to the UK years ago, observes on the kindness he received.

"In my view it's fine for people to arrive," he said, referencing that immigration is a reality across Europe. "Everyone takes people."

However, this more relaxed viewpoint was not much in sight on a tense Tuesday evening. Anxieties were running high outside the gated facility.

Night of Speculation

A crowd of about 50 protesters had gathered near the camp entrance. Convinced that staff were preparing the site, and noting a large police presence, many grew convinced the movement of asylum seekers was hours away.

"Since it's going to be a middle of the night action, isn't it?" one man stated. "They'd never bring them in during the day."

Police officers present answered curtly to questions. A protester summed up the atmosphere: "Normally, and I'm not being rude, you can hear nothing in Crowborough at 10 o'clock."

The situation escalated when police authorised a public order power, granting them powers to disperse anyone likely to cause antisocial behaviour. For many in the crowd, this was proof the area was being secured for the immediate arrival of asylum seekers.

Unverified rumours began to fly. One man stated he had seen vehicles carrying asylum seekers. Moments later, a bus labelled "contract bus" drove past the main road, with unidentifiable faces seen at the windows, intensifying the speculation.

A local councillor who arrived at the scene attempted to reassure the agitated man, stating that such buses were routine on that route, often transporting members of a movement from a regional base.

Anxieties and Grievances

Throughout the night, tense exchanges erupted between protesters and police. Anger was directed at the apparent lack of communication from authorities.

"They are no idea who they are! They're unvetted!" yelled one man at an officer. "Perspectives would be completely different if one of your family members was attacked, right?"

Allegations of bias were made, with some stating that residents were being treated differently by the police.

A number of residents stated anger at how they were being depicted of their actions, notably after a weekend march attended by thousands.

"This isn't about being extremists," insisted one woman. "We are a quiet, normal area. We are just normal people who object to this in our community."

She added, "Our concern is so many men we know zero about being housed here. That is frightening. This doesn't matter what race, I would still be protesting."

An Evening That Came to Nothing

Eventually, the standoff dissipated. By the middle of the night, it became obvious that no asylum seekers were transported that night, and most people dispersed.

Politically, a toxic blame game was afoot. Local councillors and the MP were exchanging criticisms, with allegations of stirring up trouble and political motives being exchanged.

One local leader stated the MP of being "reckless" and spreading "fake news" that heightened tension and distrust within the community.

Apprehension Continues

Regardless of the political wrangling, few in the area were happy with the unwanted spotlight brought upon the town. One local remarked that a friend felt "disappointed" of Crowborough because of the scenes, though they would be hesitant to say so openly.

The following day, new messages spread among concerned residents of a continued police presence at the camp, indicating that arrivals were possible from that day forward.

And so, with no official confirmation, the state of apprehension threatened to start again.