A Burnham-On-Sea road is to become the first in the area to introduce a ‘no cold calling zone’.
With help from the Safer Sedgemoor Partnership, Ashcott Drive residents will be the first to benefit from the initiative, which targets unwanted sales people.
“Sedgemoor continues to be a safe place to live. However, for many reasons there are some residents who feel unsafe in their homes. One significant area identified is that of unwanted sales people – or cold callers – visiting them on a regular basis,” said district council spokeswoman Claire Faun.
By working together with Trading Standards, The Safer Sedgemoor Partnership has raised funds to launch the ‘no cold calling scheme’.
Warning signs – similar to the one pictured on the right – will be installed, stating that sales persons are not welcome in the area which it is hoped will resolve the problem and increase feelings of safety.
“Should cold callers disregard this advice, then action may be taken by Trading Standards,” added the spokeswoman.
The scheme has been funded as a pilot study and the Safer Sedgemoor Partnership will be evaluating results. If successful in reassuring the public, a District wide initiative is planned.
The zones are not completely new to Somerset. The first ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ was launched in North Somerset by the Weston Mead Residents Association last September.
Town councillor Peter Clayton, who is Administration Technician for the Ashcott Drive neighbourhood watch group, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am delighted the scheme will soon be in force, we have had several instances of distraction thefts in the area in recent months and this scheme will go some way in stopping our elderly residents being put under pressure at the door.”
“The type of goods and services supplied at the door our residents can do without, or at least they can find them elsewhere by picking up the phone if they so want them. With crime and disorder so much in our minds at the moment I shall be monitoring this scheme to see how effective it is with a view to introducing it in other areas of our towns.”
“I would like to thank Sedgemoor District Council and the Trading Standards institute for their help and financial assistance to our group. Anyone wishing more information can ring 07961049868 and we will be pleased to give any advice we can on introducing this or the neighbourhood watch scheme to your area.”
