Over 86% of residents responded to the consultation and everyone who responded agreed to the zone.

The previous doorstep rogue trader activity was investigated by Norfolk Trading Standards and resulted in a successful prosecution under the Consumer Protection (Contracts Concluded Away from Business Premises) 1987. This was in relation to the failure to give cancellation notices despite cold calling at the properties, and obtaining work. Norfolk now has over 20 No Cold Calling Zones, including Beeston Regis in North Norfolk, Norwich, Attleborough and Saham Toney.

Would a zone work for you?

No cold calling zones are not imposed or created by Trading Standards. They are a collective voice of the residents, which in turn is supported by Trading Standards.

It is vital that for Norfolk County Council Trading Standards Service to be able to support a zone the zone is both proportionate and necessary. No Cold Calling Zones should be a necessary and proportionate response to ongoing problems with doorstep traders. Zones should cover those areas where there is a high concentration of consumers who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

Consequently large village based zones, or ones which are not tailored to the specific problem, which has been identified, are unlikely to be considered as proportionate.

It is important that there is a significant majority wish of the residents for the establishment of the zone. It is also helpful to have agreement from Parish or Town Council. It is also important to have someone who can act as a local champion to help promote the zone.

Suitability

The suitability of an area as No Cold Calling Zone will be considered in relation to the following criteria.

- There is relevant evidence of a history doorstep rogue trading/bogus calling

- The area has a strong enough community bond/spirit and desire on which to bare the initiative

- The age and/or vulnerability of the residents causes them to be at greater risk of detriment and crime through cold calling

- The nature or type of housing is considered to be potentially attractive to doorstep rogue traders

- The area is distinct and can be clearly identifiable as a zone

- The Parish/Town Council supports the establishment of such a zone