A THIRD ‘no cold calling’ zone has been set up in Tredegar thanks to a partnership between Blaenau Gwent Council and Gwent police.

The new zone follows consultation with residents which showed support for its establishment in the areas of Gwent Way, Deighton Close, Stockton Way, Cefn Glas and Cwm Glas.

The area will be clearly identified by stickers on lamp posts and posters in windows to stop cold callers.

‘No cold calling’ zones were created around 10 years ago by the Trading Standards Institute in response to the growing problem of unwanted rogue cold callers and doorstep crime.

The first ‘no cold calling’ zone in Blaenau Gwent was in Peacehaven, Tredegar, covering approximately 170 properties.

This was monitored and after six months 94 per cent of people who responded to a survey said they had noticed a reduction in the number of cold callers.

Steve Osborne, team leader for trading standards and licensing at Blaenau Gwent council, said they had seen success in the past with previous ‘no cold calling’zones.

He said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the local police to deliver another of these zones in the Tredegar area as evidence has shown that residents in previously established zones have seen a real difference in the number of cold callers.

“Cold calling is not only a nuisance but can also be a way for doorstep criminals to operate, often preying on elderly and vulnerable people.”

“In this area of Tredegar we do have a significant number of residents over the age of 60 which makes this scheme even more important.”