Braintree, a town in Essex, has become the focal point of local anxieties surrounding the Wethersfield asylum accommodation site, the largest of its kind in Britain. Residents report that Thursdays, the day minibuses ferry men from the Wethersfield site into Braintree, have become a 'no-go day' for many women due to alleged wolf-whistling, theft, and intimidation.
The Wethersfield site, operated by Clearsprings Ready Homes for the Home Office, currently houses approximately 800 men awaiting the outcome of their asylum claims. Many of these men arrived in the UK via small boats from across the English Channel, and the facility is slated to expand its capacity. Local council leader Peter Harris has described the accommodation as a 'holiday camp,' citing amenities such as a gym, football pitch, and television room.
Concerns voiced by residents include migrants loitering around cash machines and charity shops. Shop workers have reported incidents of theft, with one charity shop in Braintree experiencing smashed window panes twice in two months, raising suspicions about asylum seekers' involvement. The Care4Calais charity has suspended its operations in Braintree due to security concerns.
Female residents and workers have described feeling intimidated. One woman, who works at a charity shop, recounted an incident where a group of men from the Wethersfield site became agitated when far-right protesters began filming them inside the store, leading to an altercation where a camera was smashed. She stated that on Thursdays, the town center is predominantly populated by men, making it feel unsafe for women and children.
Adding to the unrest are far-right protesters, some identifying as 'auditors,' who reportedly harangue migrants in public, film their movements, and provoke confrontations. These activists, led by individuals like Anthony Barnes, known online as 'AY Audits,' share videos of these encounters, further inflaming local tensions.
The Home Office, while acknowledging community fears, maintains that there is no evidence of asylum seekers disproportionately increasing crime levels in Essex. However, residents in Braintree, Colchester, and Chelmsford express ongoing worries about safety and the impact on community life. Some describe the young men as having 'medieval views' and feel intimidated by their presence in gangs.
Locals also point to a perceived idleness among the asylum seekers, who receive a weekly allowance insufficient for significant purchases. This idleness, combined with their presence in public spaces, is perceived by some as provocative. The issue has drawn attention from politicians, with former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer previously stating the Wethersfield camp 'needs to close.' Despite these concerns, the government has continued to house asylum seekers in such facilities, with plans for the Wethersfield site to accommodate an additional 400 migrants in the coming months.