Burnham-On-Sea’s first ‘no cold calling zone’ has officially been launched by town and district councillors in conjunction with residents and police.
We reported last week how with help from the Safer Sedgemoor Partnership, Ashcott Drive residents are the first in the area to set up the zone, which targets unwanted sales people.
And this week, the official launch took place – with residents, police and local councillors in attendance.
“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.
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 is now 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.”
