Donnington community to banish cold callers

It is being introduced by West Berkshire Council’s trading standards, who will be working alongside Thames Valley Police and the community.
The ban will benefit residents of Castle Lane and Shop Lane and comes following the success of similar schemes in Hermitage and Newbury.
The move is aimed at reducing unwelcome cold calling and increasing awareness of doorstep crime.
Signs will tell potential cold callers that the residents do not wish to trade this way, and each household will be given its own door sticker. Cold calling against a householder’s wishes could be considered an aggressive commercial practice and a breach of consumer protection laws.
Local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Dawne Stephens called for a zone to be created in Donnington and all those asked were in favour.
West Berkshire executive member for community safety, Graham Jones, said: “This is a good example of communities determining how they wish things to be in their own locality.
“We will now work with residents to ensure that their wishes are complied with.”
To find out more telephone the Council’s Trading Standards service on 01635 519930.