COUNCILLORS held talks with police this week in a bid to stop the ongoing spate of burglaries and incidents of disorder on Burtonwood Industrial Estate.

Traders continue to suffer from criminal activity on Phipps Lane and say that police are not clamping down on the regular incidents of theft and vandalism, which are costing many small businesses money.

Thieves broke into the premises of vegetable processors James Abbey & Son at approximately midnight on February 7, breaking two sets of gate locks before taking the canteen door off its hinges.

Coin mechanisms on snack vending machines were broken, and the cost of the damage is estimated at nearly £800.

Mr Andrew Abbey, managing director, said: "This has happened three or four times now and there appears to be a lack of police interest when it occurs. Everywhere we go, there are police parked in Range Rovers and yet we can't get a bobby up here.

"We've been here for 15 years but the businesses have become an easy target. Traders don't want to join a security guard scheme and there is no perimeter fence."

The incident follows a long line of burglaries, including the theft of £3,000 worth of rubber gloves from Regal Polythene last November. Owners have grown exasperated with youngsters running riot, damaging units and setting fire to premises.

Clr Terry O'Neill, of Burtonwood Parish Council, told the Guardian: "We recognise that there is a problem on the industrial estate but we're meeting with police and owners to alleviate the situation. This could mean increased security, but overall we want constructive comments."

Police were unavailable to comment on the incidents.