A SENIOR Conservative on South Lakeland District Council has backed the creation of more cold calling zones across the area.

Coun Roger Bingham, who represents Burton and Holme, on SLDC, told a meeting of the Cabinet today that he supported the idea for Holme in particular.

Referring to a parish council meeting where the issue of cold calling in the village had been raised, Coun Bingham said: “Cold callers have no validity whatsoever. It’s a scam. Blackpool is entirely a no cold calling zone and in view of the fact that many people in our area are older, fear of crime is very high, despite this being a low crime area."

And in a nod to political doorstep canvassing, Coun Peter Thornton, leader of the council and Liberal Democrats, quipped: “People in your ward seem to be particularly against cold calling - especially in the evening!”

Cumbria County Council Trading Standards, together with Cumbria Constabulary, South Lakes Housing and the Kirkbarrow Residents Association introduced a No Cold Calling Zone in Kendal’s Capper Close, Buttery Well, Chapel Lane and Cross Lane area.

The aim is to deter high pressure sales people, rogue traders and bogus workmen. It was the first new zone in the Kendal area for over two years.

It aims to give residents, particularly the elderly, the confidence to say ‘no’ to bogus callers and rogue traders. Zone are identified by signs at their perimeter and residents are also given individual door stickers which detail a telephone number they can ring to report an incident.

Anyone who has information about doorstep crime is encouraged to contact Trading Standards via the Citizen Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or report the matter to the police on 101.