PARKLANDS in Malmesbury is to become a ‘no cold calling zone’ after proposals by the town council’s policy and resources committee.

The zone will cover the row of bungalows, numbers one to 17, that face onto the main road leading into Sherston.

The scheme has been devised to prevent and reduce doorstep crime, distraction burglary and rogue trading.

It came about after local resident Derek Tilney asked Kim Power, Malmesbury town councillor and Deputy Mayor, for help in setting up the zone.

Cllr Power said: "Whilst we live in a low crime area, it is still important to do what we can to help prevent crime and also the fear of crime. So when Mr Tilney came forward with his request, I was delighted to assist with the setting up the zone.

"Wiltshire Council have been incredibly helpful and the zone signage should be in place very shortly."

When a ‘no cold calling zone’ is set up cold callers who wish to sell at the door are excluded from that area.

Under the community-led scheme, residents will be able to report directly to police and Trading Standards if there is an infringement. Any community can consider their area becoming a zone.

Any other residents who feel they know of an area where a zone would be helpful to the more vulnerable in Malmesbury, are asked to email Cllr Power at kim@kimpower.co.uk or via Malmesbury Town Hall.