Cold calling has been banned in two streets in Springfield, near Pontllanfraith, to ward off bogus callers.
More than 100 properties on Elim Way and Chapel Close are covered by the No Cold Calling Zone, which was introduced by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Service and Gwent Police.
The introduction of the zone was on the back of calls from Zoe Hammond, chair of the Springfield Community Group and local ward member Cllr Jim Criddle.
The streets covered by the zone contain many houses occupied by older or vulnerable residents.
Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet member for public protection, engineering and transport, said: “No Cold Calling Zones are about helping people to feel safe in their community, and knowing that they have the full backing of the council and police when dealing with the small minority of people to partake in doorstep crime.”
While a No Cold Calling Zone does not make doorstep calling illegal, it does make it clear that it is not welcome.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Community Safety Wardens have erected signs on street lampposts and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team are distributing window stickers and information packs to residents.
PC Marc Sturgess, ward officer for the Pontllanfraith area, said: ‘This is the second ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ to be introduced in the Pontllanfraith area in recent years, and it sends out a clear message to doorstep agents and cold callers that they are not welcome in the area.”
Pontllanfraith councillor Jim Criddle added: “I am pleased that the residents living in the streets covered by the No Cold Calling Zone will now have peace of mind against the possibility of cold calling or doorstep crime.”
It the fifth No Cold Calling Zone to be introduced across Caerphilly County Borough following ones in Trethomas, The Bryn Estate in Pontllanfraith, Pantside in Newbridge and Nelson.