Cold callers? No thanks!
Humphreys Lane is the latest to join a number of locations in West Berkshire that have decided to put a stop to unwanted doorstep trading in their street.
People living there have stated they do not want to trade in this way and have got together with West Berkshire Council’s trading standards department and Thames Valley Police to declare their street a No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ).
Introduction of the zones follows success pilots in other parts of the district, most recently in The Martins, Thatcham.
The scheme is aimed at reducing unwanted cold callers by empowering householders and increasing awareness of doorstep crime.
In each zone prominent road signs are displayed at the entry and exit point and each house is issued with a door sticker repeating the message. These door stickers and advice leaflets advise door to door salesman that the occupants do not want to be called upon.
Cold calling on a householder who has expressed that they do not want to be contacted in this way could be considered a breach of consumer protection laws.
A spokesman for East Garston parish council, Christopher Tonge, said: “We are pleased that we are now able to put a stop to unwanted doorstep selling. The No Cold Calling Zones give residents the power of choice and put a stop to nuisance trading,”
West Berkshire's executive portfolio holder for Trading Standards, Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley), said: “Humphreys Lane is the first street in East Garston to become a NCCZ and illustrates the power of the collective to choose what happens in their neighbourhood and making it happen by working in partnership with the council and the Police.”
To be considered for a ‘zone’, there needs to be a clear demand from local residents.
For further advice and information on how to set up a No Cold Calling Zone in your street contact West Berkshire trading standards on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
Alternatively visit the council offices in Market Street, Newbury.