First no cold call zone launched in Wymondham

Residents in one south Norfolk street have clubbed together in a bid to stamp out the menace of bogus callers knocking at their doors.

A No Cold Calling Zone has been launched by residents of Gaynor Close, in partnership with Wymondham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and Norfolk County Council's trading standards department.

Anyone who is visiting the area will now see a sign on the lamp post at the entrance to the close and stickers displayed in the windows of houses warning potential callers that residents are not interested in buying goods or services on their doorstep.

PCSO Sarah Caddy, of Wymondham SNT, said: 'The No Cold Calling Zone means that residents can feel much safer in their own homes, knowing that they have the power to say no to suspicious callers and that it is okay to report anything that they are unsure of.

'If anyone is in any doubt at all about someone knocking on their door we want to encourage people to keep the caller out and then telephone the police immediately.'

Christine Deakin, senior trading standards officer at the county council, said that it was the very first No Cold Calling Zone to be set up in Wymondham.

'These zones are put in place to stop rogue traders ripping off consumers and by working together we can help to stop these incidents happening,' she said.

Residents who have signed up to the scheme also received an information pack on how to deal with unwelcome visitors. This included helpful tips on taking precautions such as closing and locking the back door before answering the front door, using a spy hole or window to look at the caller, speaking to someone with the door security chain on and asking for proof of identification.

If you require any further information about No Cold Calling Zones, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk