The recently daubed graffiti had been erased, but the stark message was still visible: “No migrants”.

Yards away, near the gate to Crowborough army training camp, a home-made banner draped over a bush conveyed a similar tone: “You’re not welcome”.

Last week’s revelation that the Home Office plans to house hundreds of asylum seekers at the East Sussex barracks in the coming weeks has already sparked a visibly hostile reaction from some in the town of around 20,000. New Feature

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Outside the camp, Claire Firmage, 57, whose daughter has just bought a new-build house in an adjacent development, said the Government’s plan was “absolutely disgusting”.

She told The i Paper : “I worry for the safety of our women and children of Crowborough

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