A CAMPAIGN to crack down on cold callers is being launched in a bid to protect people from unscrupulous traders and bogus workmen.

The ‘No Cold Calling Home’ project is the brainchild of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's trading standards service.

As part of the scheme, an information pack has been produced which gives details on top ten tips on how to deal with a salesman at the door and information on how to find a reputable tradesman.

Each pack also includes a ‘no cold callers’ sticker which can be registered by the home owner to trading standards.

The council’s cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Steven Goldswain, said: “The council and our Trading Standards Department are dedicated to protecting residents who feel at risk of pushy salesman and dishonest tradesman. ‘No Cold Calling Home’ is our statement of intent that cold callers are not welcome in the borough.

“Many residents feel intimidated by people trying to give them the hard sell on the doorstep and with this campaign we are hoping they don’t live in fear of who could be at the door.”

The project, which launches tomorrow (Friday, December 5) has the support of several organisations, as well as Cleveland Police and their Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger.

He said: “We’ve all had the awkward knock on the door from a cold caller and while many people feel comfortable with engaging with them on the doorstep, the dread of that knock becomes a terrible reality for many elderly and vulnerable residents who are targeted day-after-day by some unscrupulous traders."

To request a pack, contact trading standards by calling 01287-612489 or emailing tradingstandards@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk