Rogue traders about to get the cold shoulder (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Rogue traders about to get the cold shoulder

4:50pm Tuesday 23rd December 2008 in Search Module By Chris Gregory

COLD callers focusing on a north Hampshire village are the targets for a new exclusion zone.

A total of 45 homes in Oldfield View, Hartley Wintney, have received information packs about how to deter cold callers.

Trading Standards officers at Hampshire County Council introduced the No Cold Calling Zone after advice from Hampshire Constabulary, Hart District Council and Neighbourhood Watch.

Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “We have been able to select where to introduce each zone, thanks to local knowledge and strong support for residents.

“Rogue traders and distraction burglars often target the elderly and vulnerable in our communities and not only take people’s hard-earned money but also destroy their confidence and steal their independence.”

Roy Sutton, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Hartley Wintney, said: “Cold calling is no more of a problem in that particular road than anywhere else in the village.

“However, the road’s Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator thought it was a good scheme and got a good response from the road’s residents.”

Fiona Holgate, spokeswoman for Hampshire County Council, said: “The Hartley Wintney zone was created following a specific request from a local Neighbourhood Watch group who supplied intelligence, which we verified before agreeing to the zone.”

The packs, which were handed out on December 3, contain information about the area, consumer advice and information on cancellation rights.

Also included are window stickers telling cold callers they are not welcome, and a directory of traders approved by Trading Standards.

Cllr Thornber said: “No Cold Calling Zones are aimed at discouraging rogue traders from approaching people living in the zone and give residents the confidence to say no to people seeking business at their doorsteps.

“They are not meant to stop legitimate callers such as charities or the local Avon representative, but to deter people who are unknown to residents from seeking work that is often overpriced and unnecessary.”

To report rogue traders, call Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 4545, and ask to be put through to your local police station, or call the Trading Standards Quick Response team on 0845 404 0506.