More doors slammed on cold-callers

A ROYTON cul-de-sac is fighting off unwanted visitors in a bid to protect vulnerable residents from rogue traders and burglars.

Cumberland Avenue is now a No Cold-Calling Zone after homeowners expressed concern about the number of unsolicited callers trying to sell home improvement services.

In response, the Oldham Doorstep Crime Action Group created the zone with the residents’ agreement to discourage doorstep sellers and bogus callers.

This is an opportunity for them to collectively say ‘No’ to the practice of cold calling and aims to reduce the fear and threat felt by some householders when there is an unknown caller at the door.

Signs have been put up at the entrance to the cul-de-sac and the homes have been adorned with door stickers and an information pack to inform them how to handle unwanted visitors.

Tenants have also been given crime-fighting devices such as locks, security lights and alarm systems by the Community Safety Unit.

If householders receive any unwanted callers they can contact Greater Manchester Police or Trading Standards.

Unwanted callers visiting the zones will be challenged, their credentials will be checked and they will be informed of the legalities of the zone.

Councillor Jackie Stanton, deputy leader of Oldham Council, said: “This initiative focuses on looking after older and more vulnerable members of our community. This will hopefully reduce the number of incidents linked to cold calling, and ultimately drive down criminal offences committed against our residents.

“I hope that the advice issued to householders in the zones will give residents the confidence to respond appropriately in the event of a cold caller knocking at their door.”

The Oldham Doorstep Crime Action Group is responsible for setting up the scheme. It is led by Oldham Council’s Trading Standards and Community Safety Unit and also includes GMP, Age Concern, Victim Support and the NHS.

For more information on consumer rights with doorstep callers — or to report any incidents — contact Consumer Direct on 08454-040506 or Greater Manchester Police on 0161-872 5050.