Joint statement from Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council

We note today’s update that the Home Office now proposes to use the Northeye site in Bexhill as a detention centre for people who have arrived in the country without permission.

There are still many unknown details about the new proposal, including when construction work on the site would be carried out, when the first people would arrive and how many people would be housed there. The demand on local public services also needs to be assessed.

While this proposal could have a lower impact on surrounding communities than an open centre for migrants, we know it remains a serious concern for many residents, especially those who live closest to Northeye.

They would welcome more information and regular updates from the Home Office and we will continue to press for these on behalf of everyone in our communities.