I have lived in Crowborough for many years, and it is a place I hold dear to my heart. It's a community built on values of support and understanding, but right now, it faces a challenging change. Crowborough Army Camp has been proposed as a temporary housing solution for illegal immigrants, and it's a proposal that deeply concerns me and many others in our community.

One of my foremost worries is its proximity to a special needs school, just a mere 30-minute walk away. This school is a safe haven for children who rely on consistency and familiarity to thrive. The potential disruption caused by an influx of young men from a different culture and with nothing to do but mill about, cannot be overlooked. It's essential that these children continue to have a stable and secure environment.

While we fully acknowledge that some of the young men will have come from desperate and dire situations, using an army camp so close to vulnerable young learners is not the right solution. We know from elsewhere in the UK what can happen when these young men are housed near schools. Imagine the potential horror in this case. 

 Instead, we should advocate for more suitable locations that ensure both the safety of our community and the migrants. For example, camps equipped with language and culture courses. There is no evidence that these will be provided in Crowborough.

The government should explore alternative solutions that balance the necessity of aiding those who seek our help with the responsibility of maintaining the stability of our local institutions. Let's urge our representatives to reconsider this decision and find a more appropriate and effective way to provide relief to those in need.

Please sign this petition to stand for the safety of our children and to promote a solution that respects our community's needs. Together, we can advocate for a plan that works for everyone involved.