BANNERS were in abundance and so were many sporting T-shirts stating “No to Northeye” as more than a hundred protesters staged a march from the Little Common roundabout into Bexhill town centre today (May 20).
It is clear that feelings are running high with much of the vitriol being directed towards Bexhill and Battle Conservative MP Huw Merriman, whose continued absence from engagement with his constituents over such a contentious issue is causing tempers to flare.
“Where is he?” Asked one of the marchers. “It is simply not good enough. We are angry and all we want is answers but no-one is listening to us.
“We are not going to go away. Does he think we are just going to take it and go away quietly? Well, I am going to make it patently clear. We will continue these protests until he is finally pressurised into facing up to us.”
As the protesters made their way through town, marching straight along Devonshire Road and through somewhat startled traders at the Anglo-French street market in the street, the chants went up, some garnering applause while others booed and swore as the convoy headed for the De La Warr Pavilion.
One man supporting the asylum seekers yelled: “You racists; you should be ashamed of yourselves but his words were quickly drowned out by a chorus of boos.
Then the chants started again. “Are you watching Merriman?” they said in unison. “What do we say to Northeye? No, no, no.
The protest petered out somewhat when those against Northeye congregated behind the De La Warr but it is clear this is a conflict of interest which is clearly going to run and run.
More protests are already being planned.
