Cold callers shown the door

Pontefract residents will be giving doorstep salesmen the cold shoulder as part of a new initiative.

People on St Ives Close have joined forces with West Yorkshire Trading Standards and West Yorkshire Police to introduce a cold calling control zone, which aims to protect elderly residents who feel pressured by doorstep traders. The scheme, which has been funded by the residents, has been led by Karen Skinner, a resident’s daughter who has liaised between the residents and the organisations involved.

Mrs Skinner said: “The residents in this street are elderly and I am grateful for the police and trading standards for being proactive in implementing this zone. It does put my mind at ease knowing that my mother now resides in a cold calling control zone.”

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The launch saw officers speaking with people on the street and distributing stickers and leaflets. Signs will also be put up at the entrances to the zone to warn traders that they are not welcome.

Cold calling zones have been shown to reduce crime and make residents feel safer.

David Lodge, head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said “Zones are a community led initiative and this zone is a perfect example of how the community can take charge of their area. Working together we can send a clear message to the traders that this street wont entertain any cold callers.”

PCSO Jane McMillan, from the Pontefract and Knottingley NPT, said: “We are really pleased to be part of such a proactive initiative, working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Trading Standards service to combat doorstep crime, helping tenants and residents to feel safer in their homes.”