Businesses in Littlehampton have started an initiative to improve their environments.

CCTV cameras have already been installed on industrial estates in Thorgate Road and Harwood Road and are part of a range of initiatives planned for the area.

Sussex Enterprise along with the district council has pledged to work with local companies to tackle a range of issues facing tenants on the industrial estates.

These include tackling crime and vandalism through new security fencing and a graffiti ranger, as well as signage improvements, a general tidy-up and landscaping to improve the appearance of the estates and business parks.

This help is aimed at assisting to bring the estates up to a higher standard in general and sorting out important issues the firms do not have the time to deal with themselves.

Andy Carr, area manager for Sussex Enterprise, said: "Companies have really grasped the concept of working together to get what they need.

"Improving security is just the beginning. New fencing is being installed in strategic areas and the estates are looking much more tidy.

"Many companies have met neighbours for the first time at regular group meetings and begun co-operating to purchase services and contracting with each other for work."

The new equipment complements existing measures.

Cameras will be constantly recording and monitored and enhanced lighting with infrared capability will enable much better picture definition.

Business have contributed a substantial sum towards the upgrades and have welcomed the initiative, which include a business park co-ordinator, Gail Grant, provided by Sussex Enterprise to work directly with the companies.

Jonathan Milburn, of Design Packaging, said: "With the help of Gail, we have managed to put together enough funding to match the Sussex Enterprise contribution and put in a system that meets our needs much more satisfactorily."

This view was backed by Martin Norris, of Intersim, who said: "It can be very difficult for companies to work together on these types of issues as we all have our own work to do.

"But with Gail leading the initiative, we have managed to achieve what we wanted very quickly."