The village of East Brent, near Burnham-On-Sea, has this week become the latest area to be designated a ‘no cold calling zone’.
Local residents had raised concerns to local police about the aggressive nature of cold callers in the village and this led to the creation of the new zone.
No cold calling zones involve designated areas being created where local residents have the confidence to say ‘no’ to uninvited salespeople.
The zones have been used successfully in other areas of Burnham, where police have reported seeing a decrease in the number of calls where people have reported canvassing taking place.
Sgt Steve Lawrence, of Burnham’s rural neighbourhood police team, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “No Cold Calling Zones are one of the initiatives being used to target doorstep crime and ensure that residents feel safe in their own homes.”
“The visible roadside signs will be a deterrent to rogue traders and those cold callers whose aggressive techniques can intimidate residents.”
“This was highlighted as a real issue in East Brent and the project has been very much community-driven with support from all agencies involved. This is another great example of successful neighbourhood partnerships.”
Pictured above are PCSO Sheila Dickinson, Jane Bailey of Sedgemoor Safer Partnership, and Sgt Steve Lawrence
