POLICE and trading standards officers have teamed up to protect residents in Kirkbymoorside streets that were being repeatedly targeted by cold callers.

Signage for a new No Cold Calling zone have been erected in Ryedale View and Ryedale Crescent and information packs delivered to local residents.

Such zones are designed to discourage cold callers and reduce incidents of rogue traders and distraction burglaries by empowering residents to send callers away and inform the police or trading standards officers.

The driving force behind the new zone was PCSO Tracy Brown. She said: “This particular area was subjected to a high level of cold callers, and we received a number of complaints from residents about doorstep callers during March and April claiming to be former offenders or soldiers selling household items.

“Working together with trading standards and the local residents, I’m very pleased that our plans have now been put into action. I hope it provides reassurance for local people and gives them the confidence to send any cold callers away.”

Local resident Michael Bell, added: “I am relieved that this has now been established making the street feel safer after being targeted by door-to-door sellers that left me shaken up.”

Local county councillor Val Arnold said: "I welcome the creation of this No Cold Calling zone and the reassurance it will bring to residents.

"Trading standards and the police are always keen to receive information about doorstep callers, so anyone who receives a cold call can contact trading standards on 03454 040506 or police on 101."