Last night 19 April 2023, during the Full Council meeting, pro and anti-immigration supporters gathered once again on the green opposite Bexhill Town Hall. The attendees expressed their sharply divided opinions on the proposed asylum centre at the former Northeye Prison site in Little Common. However, the atmosphere remained relatively calm, with impassioned speeches and peaceful demonstrations.
MP Huw Merriman recently convened a meeting with Home Office officials and local service providers to discuss the plans for Northeye and the challenges the proposal has raised. The Home Office confirmed that the proposed centre would only accommodate asylum seekers with pending applications, such as those currently in hotels. Those arriving illegally, such as via the English Channel, will not be housed at Northeye.
