FIREFIGHTERS at Westlea fire station say they cannot do their jobs properly as long as travellers remain on land next door.

Firefighter Mark Truckle says that the travellers' presence means crew members cannot leave appliances on the station forecourt for fear that they might be broken into.

Cars used for training exercises must also be stored in a secure compound after police warned firefighters that the vehicles may be stripped for parts.

The group of Irish travellers moved on to the former Westlea Police Station site three weeks ago, bringing a convoy of caravans, tipper trucks and heavy goods vehicles with them.

Mr Truckle claims that the travellers have been using the fire station site as a toilet and rubbish dumping ground.

He said: "We have seen rubbish dumped across the land they are staying on and ours, and more recently they have been going to the toilet on our land.

"Why they don't use the toilets in their caravans, I don't know.

"We were training outside the station the other day when this little girl of about four or so comes padding over, drops her knickers and goes to the toilet in front of us.

"It's unacceptable. It's bad enough when it's dog faeces without having to see humans do it too.

"They can't deny it's them, I don't know of any animals that leave loo roll next to their mess."

Mr Truckle says that his crew have to keep putting the fire trucks back into the compound after every call in case they are targeted by the travellers for parts.

He said: "We are following everything the police tell us to do but it is an inconvenience to us having to keep putting the appliances away after every shout, not to mention a waste of time."

A spokeswoman for Westlea Housing Association, which is based in Chippenham, confirmed that it had owned the land for the past few months.

She said: "We were aware of the travellers being on the site after two or three phone calls into the organisation regarding them urinating on the land.

"But we weren't aware that they have been causing damage to the fire appliances. They are trespassing."

The housing association said they are taking legal advice on the matter as this is the first time they have had to deal with such an incident.

Inspector Robin Colbourne, of Swindon police, said: "We are aware that there is an issue with travellers on that site.

"Obviously, if there is an issue with anti-social behaviour it will be dealt with."