HOMEOWNERS in Uphilll are collectively saying ‘no’ to cold-callers with the introduction of a No Cold Calling zone across the village.

These zones are set up in areas where residents want to discourage cold callers from knocking on their doors.

Residents in these areas will be vigilant for cold callers in their neighbourhoods and will report them to police who may attend and make sure they have a legitimate reason for being in the area.

PCSO Kie Booth said: “The village-wide zone has been set up out of a proposal at a recent PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting to address an issue which local people really wanted us to tackle.”

PC Stephen Wakefield added: “The launch of the zone is something that we have worked closely with the community watch group and local residents to achieve.”

Cold Calling Alert Zones help to reduce crime by discouraging rogue traders from calling at houses.

They can also reduce burglaries and distraction burglaries as criminals sometimes use doorstep selling to identify vulnerable homes to target.

Clearly marked by street signs and stickers by residents’ doors, communities in the zones are given advice on how to deal with unwanted callers.

Anyone choosing to ignore the signs will be told at all houses they call at that they are in the zone and that residents will not do business with cold callers.

The zone has been launched by the police in partnership with other organisations including North Somerset Council, Trading Standards and the Safer Homes Partnership.

The Chairman of the Uphill Community Watch group Mike Ashford said: “We were keen to see a no cold calling zone set up and acknowledge the work that the police and trading standards have done to make this happen. Our main objective is to ensure the safety of elderly and more vulnerable members of our community by providing them with the power to ‘no’ to cold callers.”

Cold Calling Alert Zones can be set up anywhere but provide valuable support to neighbourhoods which are elderly, isolated or experiencing a high level of burglary or rogue trading.

If you are interested in setting up a Cold Calling Alert Zone in your area and have the support of your neighbours call your local Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood team for further information on 0845 456 7000.