MIDDLEWICH is one of the first towns in Cheshire to be designated as a 'No Cold Calling Area' to blitz bogus callers.

Cheshire Trading Standards and Cheshire police are teaming up with other agencies in the initiative.

No Cold Calling Areas were launched in the town, along with Sandbach, Alsager and Holmes Chapel, on Thursday for a six-month trial which will be rolled out across Cheshire if successful.

The scheme will see signs similar to Neighbourhood Watch stickers displayed around the town, backed up by information packs distributed by police and Trading Standards.

Business Watch co-ordinator for Cheshire police Robin Curry said: 'This scheme is targeting doorstep crime, including bogus officials and distraction burglars. Congleton borough is a relatively wealthy borough compared to others. It is a safe area but we do suffer from doorstep crime.'

Following a spate of conmen posing as water board workmen and other officials to get into pensioners' homes during the summer, police issued numerous warnings.

This trial will offer reassurance to elderly people.