The owner of a former care home at the centre of mass protests today condemned social media users for spreading 'unfounded and baseless' claims of it being used as centre for asylum seekers.

Over a hundred people gathered outside the old Firgrove care home in Burgess Hill on Wednesday (September 15) in a protest and counter-protest linked to concerns about immigration and asylum accommodation.

The old Firgrove care home is situated on Keymer Road, Burgess Hill and has been closed since 2021.

The protest took place amid a series of demonstrations – linked to concerns about immigration and asylum accommodation – across the country.

On Tuesday September 15th over a hundred protesters and counter-protesters took to the streets of Burgess Hill outside the old Firgrove Residential Home. Image: Iconic Media Group

placeholder image — On Tuesday September 15th over a hundred protesters and counter-protesters took to the streets of Burgess Hill outside the old Firgrove Residential Home. Image: Iconic Media Group

Rumours and speculation have circulated the internet, mainly on Facebook, that the building will be turned into a House of Multiple Occupation for asylum seekers.

This is not the case, the owners of the building said it will “continue providing care to the community.”

Their statement reads: "The property is in new ownership after the closure of the former care home and is leased to a prospective care home operator to use it as a children care home. It is no longer managed by Firgrove care home group.

“The current owner had never applied to change the use of the building and will maintain the current planning use as Care Home. The property is under refurbishment to operate as a Care Home and the Council is aware of this decision.

The old Firgrove care home building. It's owner responds to protests and the information circulating online. Image: Iconic Media Group

“The current owner is closely working with the Police authority who are fully aware that the property will not be used for any purpose other than Provision of Care Services.

“The recent manifestations on social media are unfounded and baseless but hype news.

“I wish to reiterate that it was never my intention to use the property as HMO but to continue providing care to the community.

“How the idea that this property will be used as HMO is beyond belief as the planning department was never consulted this, which is in the public domain. How and why such movements are allowed to proceed despite in an age where information is available.

Counter-protesters on the opposite side of the road, including groups such as Stand Up To Racism. Image: Iconic Media Group

“It is in the public interest to clarify the matter and point out that the protests were unjustified and baseless. This is causing lot of distress to innocent people and delaying the development of the site into a modern care facility.”

Sussex Police were at the scene.

They said: “Police were in attendance at a lawful protest and counter protest at Keymer Road, Burgess Hill on Tuesday evening, 15 September. “Around 150 protestors attended and police made one arrest.

"A 58-year-old man from Brighton was arrested for failing to remove the scarf covering his face. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue. There were no reports of injuries.”

Alison Bennet, MP for Mid Sussex, commented on the impact the spread of misinformation and the protest has had on the community.

She said: "People who have created and spread this misinformation need to give their heads a wobble.

"I have seen emails from people in Burgess Hill which show the very real fear these baseless rumours have caused. Grandparents are worried about their grandchildren, women are frightened for their safety, and many immigrant families in our community have been left feeling vulnerable and anxious.

“Quite simply, spreading misinformation harms the people we care about and damages trust within our community.

“I would encourage everyone who relies on social media platforms like Facebook for local news to think carefully about what they are reading and where that information has come from. Check whether it has been reported by a credible, trusted source, such as the BBC or the Mid Sussex Times, or confirmed by local councillors or my office

“Hitting the ‘share’ button can be done in an instant, but false information can spread quickly and cause very real fear. Please pause, check the facts and think before you share."

A Mid Sussex District Council spokesperson commented on the site’s future: “Firgrove is a privately owned property. The council has not received any planning application, change-of-use application, or other formal submission relating to the site.

“We are not aware of any proposals for the use...”

The UK Home Office have been contacted, as well as Ofsted, for further comments.