Cold callers to be given the cold shoulder in Abergele

Dec 9 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

RESIDENTS in Abergele are waving goodbye to cold callers.

The Bryn Derwen estate has been plagued by the salesmen and the number of complaints prompted David Jones MP to get involved.

“Elderly residents were finding cold calling a great nuisance and extremely unsettling, particularly during the winter months,” he said.

Mr Jones made representations to North Wales Police and Conwy County Council urging that Bryn Derwen be made a No Cold Calling Zone.

Residents in the area will now be spared unwelcome visits and No Cold Calling packs have now been delivered to house owners.

Mr Jones was delighted with the action taken.

“This is a very positive outcome for the residents of Bryn Derwen and I am very pleased that both North Wales Police and the county council have been so helpful.”

North Wales Police are also making arrangements for street signage to be put up in and around the estate.

A spokesperson from Mr Jones’ office added: “The move was based on constituency complaints an there was a particularly high number of complaints from this area. Problems were the high volume of callers and calls very late at night.”

One resident who complained to Mr Jones wished to remain anonymous but expressed her joy at the outcome.

She said: “I’m very pleased that something has been done and I hope that everyone will put the signs up.”

Zones like this have been set up throughout Conwy with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

“They are designed to help reduce crime committed by rogue traders and reduce the fear of crime associated with people calling at doors uninvited.”

Similarly in September, Mochdre became a No Cold Calling Zone.

Ifan Hughes, divisional crime reduction officer for North Wales Police, said: “We have to protect the vulnerable from rogue traders and by working in partnership we can set up more Cold Calling Controlled Zones in Conwy county.”

If a resident living in a Controlled Zone is cold called they should contact Conwy Trading Standards on 01492 575220 or North Wales Police on 101.