SEVEN new “no cold call zones” have been set up in Hartlepool to help protect residents from doorstep callers.

No Cold Calling zones – which aim to reduce doorstep crime – have been set up in the Fens and Rossmere area of Hartlepool.

There are no laws that prevent traders from calling at people’s homes uninvited but if a No Cold Call Zone is set up and a trader decides to call on those who live within it, legal action can be taken against them.

The latest streets to be designated include Cromer Walk, Witham Grove, Durness Grove, Thursby Grove, Claymore Walk, Crieff Walk and Crail Walk – bringing the total number of zones in the town to 22.

Kevin Cranney, chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: Introducing No Cold Calling Zones is a great way to protect our vulnerable residents, and a big deterrent to rogue traders, but they are only introduced where this is overwhelming support from residents in a particular street.”

Zones can also be set up in response to doorstep crime or local intelligence.