Somerset’s largest ‘no cold calling zone’ covering hundreds of homes has just been launched in Burnham-On-Sea.
Over 400 properties on the Rosewood Estate in the town are now covered by the zone, which seeks to deter rogue traders, bogus callers and door-to-door salesman from visiting the area.
The zone has been launched by members of the Rosewood Action Team, whose chairman, John Alexander, explained the aims of the group to Burnham and Highbridge Town Council members on Monday evening (September 1st) at their latest meeting.
“We have the usual problems of an urban area, such as cold callers, opportunistic burglars, anti-social behaviour and speeding motorists. Our aim is to do something about these and to make our area a safer place to live,” he told the meeting.
The group was formed in May this year and represents residents in Rosewood Avenue, Rosewood Close, Rosewood Drive, Mendip Way, Quantock Close, Ashcott Close, Ashcott Drive, Archer Close and Briar Close.
“We certainly hope to emulate the success of the Ashcott Drive ‘no cold calling zone’, which reducing cold calling problems by 99 per cent.”
John also set out the team’s five core aims at the meeting: “Our first aim, which has now been achieved, was to create the ‘no cold calling zone’ which we have done with the support of the police and Sedgemoor District Council.”
“Our second aim is for every road to be covered by the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Thirdly, we want to introduce a ‘speedwatch scheme’ in Rosewood Avenue, which is widely known as a speeding hazard.”
“Fourthly, Rosewood Park suffers from anti-social behaviour, which we would like to address. Various measures have been suggested to the district council, but none have yet been accepted, probably due to financial considerations.”
“We are also investigating using the Rosewood Communal Hall as an advice centre for community activities, such as computer training and keep fit, and for residents to report and talk about issues that are troubling them.”
He added that as the aims are met, new ones will be added to the list to create constant improvements. “We will continue to identify and implement such measures as we consider are desirable to make the lives of the residents within our area safer and with less fear of crime and associated anti-social behaviour.”
The next meeting of the Rosewood Action Team will be held on October 21st in the Rosewood Communal Hall when all local residents will be welcome to attend.
