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• December
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• Prescot says thanks but no thanks to cold callers

Knowsley's first ‘No Cold-Calling Zones’ has been set up in Prescot to stop unwanted doorstep callers.

Almost 200 homes are covered by the zone, which was chosen because the area has a high number of older people who could be vulnerable to doorstep harassment.

Residents have been given information packs and notice to callers display cards as well as a contact for help and support should they feel pestered by bogus workmen, high pressure sales people, bogus officials and distraction burglars.

The initiative has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Knowsley Council’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Division, Knowsley Crime and Reduction Partnership and Merseyside Police.

Signs are also on lampposts throughout the zone informing potential cold callers that they are entering an area that local residents have requested be a No Cold Calling Zone.

Councillor Ken Keith Cabinet member for Corporate Resources Councillor commented that: ‘No Cold Calling Zones' will give local residents and communities the confidence to say no to uninvited salespeople and warn rogue traders and cold-callers that they are not welcome in the area.

“The zone is not designed to prevent community organisations, the emergency services or local politicians from contacting local people, but we would remind any legitimate callers to carry ID cards or make appointments before they visit people within the zone”

This is the first of many zones to be introduced across Knowsley, other areas of the borough have already been identified as potential zones.

For more information on setting up a similar schemes or on the information packs phone Sue Kesler, Enforcement Officer Environmental Health & Consumer Protection Service on 443 4743.

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Picture: (clockwise from left) Lisa Walker, Cllr Michael Murphy, Frank Murphy (resident) Ian Wilkinson (warden), Cllr Ken Keith, Mrs Appleton (resident).