NEW no cold calling zones have been set up in South Gloucestershire to deter door to door traders.

Six further areas have signed up to the trading standards initiative including Chatterton Road in Yate and at Greenacres Park in Coalpit Heath.

The zones have been set up by trading standards, with the support of the police, following requests from residents.

John Widdicombe, chairman of the Greenacres Residents Association in Coalpit Heath, said: “No cold calling zones are great for the local community, help to deter rogue traders and annoying unsolicited callers, plus give local residents the advice and information they need to confidently refuse traders selling at their door."

Visitors to the no cold calling zones will see street signs on lampposts and residents will be provided with information packs and a window sticker to display. Householders will then be encouraged to report breaches of the zones to trading standards and the police.

Door to door salesman who ignore the zones could find themselves being arrested for committing an offence.

Cllr Claire Young, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council’s communities committee, said: “Cold calling can play a big part in rogue trader activity and this scheme is proving a popular and effective way that the council, the police and the community can work together to combat this type of nuisance.”

The newest zones take the total number of areas now designated no cold calling zones to 85, covering around 4,000 properties.

Trading standards advise residents to treat all cold callers with caution. Report cold callers via the citizens advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.