A large tent structure at a military site has been confirmed as part of a training exercise and not linked to asylum seeker accommodation.
The temporary structure, spotted at Browndown Training Camp in Gosport, had prompted speculation and concern on social media, but the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has clarified its purpose.
In a letter dated November 2 the Defence Infrastructure Organisation confirmed the tent was erected to support a military exercise and had no connection to Home Office activities or asylum seekers.
Read more
The letter sent by the DIO Secretariat said: "I can confirm that Browndown is MOD land and that the structure in question was erected to support a military training exercise being undertaken by the Army.
"Temporary infrastructure of this nature may be established from time to time on MOD land where required to facilitate training activities and ensure that personnel are able to exercise in realistic operational conditions.
"I can also confirm that the activity was not related to asylum seekers, small boat arrivals, or any Home Office accommodation, reception, or processing arrangements.
"The structure was used solely for the purposes of the military training exercise."
Councillor Lesley Meenaghan urged residents to avoid spreading unfounded rumours regarding claims the tent was related to asylum seekers.
Cllr Meenaghan said: "Browndown has been used for military training for generations, so exercises there are nothing new for people in Gosport.
"We saw something similar recently with the tent at Haslar Road, where those spreading unfounded claims on social media made a link that simply didn't exist.
"It had been in place for several years and was used by the marina for storage.
"I have not had a single resident contact me with concerns in regard to Browndown.
"It is hugely irresponsible to spread such unfounded rumours, and I'd urge people to check the facts before sharing or speculating online.
"This is routine military training."
Share