The Mildenhall Industrial Watch Group has put forward proposals to block all but one entrance to the estate during the hours of darkness and for the remaining access to be monitored with CCTV cameras and a security guard.

John Fisher, chairman of the group, said the call for action came after businesses continued to be targeted by burglars and vandals.

He said: "Premises have been vandalised, equipment has been stolen and cars have been pinched.

"During the night, parts of the estate are practically empty and it's too easy for people not to get caught."

Mr Fisher, who works at Kings Boiler Hire, in Hampstead Avenue, said thieves would have got away with a large stainless steel tank from his site if a yard manager had not returned during the evening and disturbed them.

In November, the Mildenhall Safer Neighbourhood Team re-launched Industrial Watch, bringing together businesses, the police, Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Heath District Council to try to improve security on the estate.

Mr Fisher said the greater police presence had reduced crime levels, but thought it was time businesses came up with their own scheme.

If the group's plan goes ahead, entrances to the estate at Holburn Avenue and Finchley Avenue would be blocked between certain hours at night – one suggestion is from 6pm until 6am.

The estate would only be accessible via Hampstead Avenue, where a manned barrier would be placed. A security guard could be hired with money contributed by all the businesses.

Mr Fisher said: "A lot of the items which have been stolen, such as large amounts of diesel, need a vehicle to carry them away.

"If we know they can only go through Hampstead Avenue, we can put CCTV cameras there and catch them.

"Also, if someone reports a theft going on, then the police could block off the Hampstead Avenue entrance and they'd be trapped."

So far, the group has approached the highway authority at Suffolk County Council, which suggested they undertake an informal consultation with the affected businesses, local authorities and emergency services. This is now taking place.

If reaction to the plans is positive, they will go ahead with a formal consultation to iron out the finer details of the scheme.

Mr Fisher admitted some objections had already been raised by some businesses worried about costs and the restricted access to their sites overnight.

He added that if all 140 businesses on the estate were able to contribute, the costs of maintaining a manned barrier would be a lot lower than trying to cover the whole area with CCTV cameras.

No police officer involved in Industrial Watch was available for comment, but at a meeting of Mildenhall Parish Council in March, Sgt Peter Ferrie agreed the scheme could help to reduce crime levels on the estate.

A spokeswoman for Forest Heath District Council said they would welcome a formal consultation, while the parish council was due to fully discuss the plans yesterday.

SNT website: http://www.forest-heath.gov.uk/Community/Community+Safety/Community+Safety+-+Safer+Neighbourhood+Teams.htm