Braintree, a town in Essex, has experienced a noticeable shift in its atmosphere, particularly on Thursdays, which some residents describe as a "no-go day" for women. Locals attribute this change to asylum seekers bussed in from the Wethersfield accommodation site, citing issues such as wolf-whistling at schoolgirls, theft, and a general sense of intimidation. This situation is further complicated by the presence of far-right agitators who reportedly provoke unrest.
The Wethersfield site, operated by Clearsprings Ready Homes for the Home Office, is the largest asylum accommodation facility in Britain, currently housing 800 men awaiting the resolution of their asylum claims. These men, many in their twenties and thirties, have arrived from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, often via small boats crossing the English Channel. The site is slated to remain open beyond 2027, with its capacity set to increase by over 50 percent to 1,245.
Residents express frustration over the daily presence of asylum seekers in local towns. "They hang around the bus station and they whistle at the schoolgirls coming off the buses," stated 66-year-old Mike Readon. "It's horrendous. Lots of women just avoid the town entirely on a Thursday because it's a totally different environment." Other locals report seeing asylum seekers lingering around cash machines and entering charity shops.
Essex county council leader Peter Harris described the Wethersfield site as a "holiday camp," noting amenities that include a fully equipped gym, football pitch, and television room. Reports from within the facility have also surfaced regarding incidents of violence, including one case where a resident was sentenced for attacking staff.
Local communities in Braintree, Colchester, and Chelmsford report feeling the impact of the Wethersfield site. Minibuses ferry asylum seekers into these neighboring communities weekly, leading to accusations of intimidation, harassment of women, theft, and violence. Simultaneously, far-right protesters, identifying as "auditors," have been observed confronting asylum seekers, filming their movements, and engaging in verbal abuse, which some believe further escalates tensions.
Essex county council has launched "Operation Vanguard" to introduce security measures in town and city centers to reassure residents. The Home Office, while acknowledging community concerns, maintains that there is "no evidence" that asylum seekers have disproportionately increased crime levels in Essex.
Charity shops in Braintree have also reported issues. The Sue Ryder charity shop has had to replace smashed glass panels twice in two months, with concerns that asylum seekers may be responsible for a previous incident. Staff at the Danaher Animal Home charity shop recounted an altercation where an asylum seeker smashed a camera after being agitated by far-right women filming inside the store. Care4Calais, a charity providing support to the men, has suspended its operations due to "security reasons."
Activists, such as Anthony Barnes, known online as 'AY Audits,' have gained a significant following by posting videos of himself confronting asylum seekers in public. These videos often involve mocking the men's activities, such as picking up prescription medication.
The presence of asylum seekers has become a divisive issue, with local politicians, including former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, having previously called for the Wethersfield camp to close. Despite these concerns, the government has highlighted efforts to close asylum hotels and reduce asylum costs. However, for residents in towns like Braintree, the perceived impact on local safety and community well-being remains a primary concern, especially with plans to increase the number of residents at the Wethersfield site. The Home Office stated that the asylum seekers are provided with accommodation and three meals a day, and that their allowance is not intended for shopping.