THE commercial director of a tyres company in Didcot has complained to police about caravans and camper vans "restricting access" on an industrial estate.

Nigel Blackwell, of RL Automotive, claims employees of local companies are parking on the Southmead industrial estate and living in the caravans and other vehicles while they work shifts for local firms.

Mr Blackwell said about 20 vehicles were permanently parked in Collett, a road running through the estate.

He added: "The vehicles have been there for about six months and I think they are restricting access because they are taking up a lane.

"We work in after-sales for tyres and there are lots of deliveries - our visitors wonder what is going on.

"Rubbish is sometimes left on the side of the road and it's intimidating for our staff to have to walk past these vehicles all the time."

Mr Blackwell added that some of the vehicles have Polish or Lithuanian number plates.

He said: "I have contacted the police but they have not taken any action because there is no parking infringement and South Oxfordshire District Council's environmental health department has not taken any action.

"I think something needs to be done because it's not an ideal situation for us and it can't be ideal for the workers who are sleeping in these vehicles.

"The public footpath is covered with litter."

South Oxfordshire District Council leader John Cotton said it was possible the workers staying in the vehicles could be prosecuted for flytipping.

He added: "This is not something that has been brought to my attention before - it shouldn't be happening."

Labour town councillor Margaret Davies said one of the problems was the lack of parking restrictions.

She added: "These workers are attracted to Didcot because there are plenty of jobs but accommodation costs are so high they are living in their vehicles.

"This sounds like an environmental health issue and that is something the district council could look into."

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Connie Primmer said: "We have received a report regarding parking in Collett in Didcot.

"Neighbourhood officers attended and made enquiries and found no obstruction or breach of any parking restrictions.

"No one has been prosecuted in connection with this report because no offences have been committed.

"We also received a report of litter and mess in the area which we have found no evidence of but we made environmental health aware.

"We will continue to visit the area to monitor any changes."