A SECURITY firm has stepped up patrols after a band of travellers set up camp on an industrial estate over the weekend.

About 20 caravans have moved onto the former Avon Rubber site on the Bowerhill industrial estate, Melksham.

Security 2000 said they would step up the number of patrols in the area until the travellers left.

Local businesses have asked guards to keep a closer eye on their properties and many firms have blocked their entrances.

Ray Redmore, managing director of Bristol-based Security 2000, expects a massive clean-up bill after the travellers have moved on.

Last month the security firm drafted in extra guards and a dog to deal with Irish gypsies who parked just yards away from new offices at the far end of Bumpers Farm industrial estate, Chippenham.

One company had broken glass pushed through the letterbox and others reported threatening behaviour from the gypsies, including a man walking around with a pickaxe handle.

Although there have been fewer problems on the Melksham estate, the security firm will not be complacent.

"We will be extra vigilant," said Mr Redmore. "One of our customers has asked us to guard their premises from six to nine each night.

"It is not the travellers' fault, it is the Government's for doing nothing about it."

Maggie Smith-Bendell, who works for the Romany Gypsy Council, said the problems highlight the case for a long-term transit site in the area.

Businesses on the industrial estate are hoping an alternative will be found to stop the invasion from happening again.

A spokesman for one company, who did not wish to be named, said: "We are having to lock everything up just in case and keep a careful eye on everything.

"The travellers are already starting to make a mess there are papers flying about everywhere."

Acting Inspector Sarah Bodell, of Melksham police, said: "Travellers have moved onto the site and we have received complaints from local businesses. We will be keeping a close eye on the situation."