Villagers hot under collar over cold callers

DOOR-to- door salespeople are to be banned from part of Woolton village after residents complained they were plagued by unsolicited callers.

The city’s first No Cold Calling Zone  covers 178 homes in Stonyhurst Road, Haileybury Road, Wrekin Close,Roedean Close and Denstone Close.

The zone’s main aim is to reduce doorstep crime and distraction burglary and, as such, prevent rogue traders.

However, it will also stop any unwanted cold callers and, says Liverpool City Council,  is aimed at giving residents the confidence to deter callers who they do not wish to deal with.

The initiative comes from Trading Standars after residents were balloted. Cold callers who persist in the area would face prosecution as they would be seen as carrying out aggressive acts.

“This is an area which has a high proportion of elderly people, a significant number of whom have been victims of rogue traders, “ said Councillor Ann O’Byrne, cabinet member for community safety, “ and the zone, which is supported by the residents,  will be a way of preventing more vulnerable people being preyed upon.

 “Of course, many of the cold callers are from legitimate businesses but even then householders feel they are being pressurised into buying goods or services they don’t want.

The idea came about after trading standards officers, who will enforce the zone, received a number of complaints from householders about the numbers of cold callers. 

The zone will be clearly marked with notices on lampposts and with stickers on doors.

It is being seen as a pilot scheme and other zones may be established across the city if it is felt there is a need for them.