A NO COLD-CALLING zone has been set up in a bid to banish uninvited sales people from a Neston street.

Signs and window stickers have been installed on Greenfields Drive warning cold-callers to steer clear.

PCSOs, councillors and council staff have also been visiting homes to offer advice.

The scheme was initiated by Neston PCSO Jackie Tudor, who noticed an increase in the number of suspicious callers and incidents in the area.

She said: “I’m really pleased the Greenfields Drive residents are so onboard with the scheme. Hopefully together we can send a message to unscrupulous sales people who prey on our vulnerable members of society that they are not welcome.”

The council and police have worked together to set up the zone, with local councillors Louise Gittins and Kay Loch providing funding for signs and stickers from their member budget grants.

Cllr Gittins said: “Cold-callers arrive unannounced and may pose as builders or gardeners and attempt to persuade residents to pay large amounts of money for unnecessary work. By deterring cold-callers from entering a road, we hope these types of incidents will be avoided.”

Cllr Loch added: “I hope we can now progress this scheme to help more areas suffering similar problems.”

Cheshire Constabulary and the council’s Trading Standards service advise residents do not buy goods or services at the door and inform any unwanted doorstep caller of this.

Homeowners should obtain several quotes before deciding on any work and try to use traders recommended by family or friends.

Residents are encouraged to report unwanted or suspicious doorstep callers to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506. Residents may also call the police non-emergency number on 101.