Security is to be stepped up on a Worthing industrial estate after a spate of criminal damage and vandalism.

After numerous complaints from traders about problems at Goring Business Park, Worthing Borough Council and Sussex Enterprise have stepped in to help combat the thugs.

Guards will now patrol the park at Woods Way and Martlets Way at night in a bid to catch the vandals who are making life a misery for businesses.

The council has given £4,000 and Sussex Enterprise £2,000 to-wards the scheme in the hope of tackling the estate's crime.

Vandals are spraying graffiti on businesses walls and cars are being constantly abandoned at the site.

Pete Green, who did not want the company where he works to be identified, said: "The place looks a mess.

"These kids are just wrecking the estate. I don't know what they get out of it.

"Surely they must have something better to do with their time.

"There's just no need for it and it needs to be stopped.

"Hopefully, more security will be the answer and the problems will stop.

"At the moment, the vandals just keep coming back and creating more damage. We are all sick of it."

Businesses will be redirecting some of their own security measures in addition to the contribution by the council and Sussex Enterprise.

Councillor Andrew Garrett, chairman of the council's development and marketing committee, believes the council had to step in to help businesses prosper.

Coun Garrett said: "The council is committed to modernise trading areas in partnership with industry.

"Ongoing environmental enhancements must be complemented with measures to tackle crime.

"Businesses have identified crime and vandalism as one of their key concerns and the council has recognised this in its programme of actions to assist businesses to thrive and prosper."