COLD callers have been banned from several areas of Clitheroe to stop rogue trader targeting the elderly.

It is the first time police in Eastern Division, covering Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley have brought in the ban.

Similiar scheme were set up late last year in parts of Burnley and Pendle.

In Clitheroe, Alma Place, Pine Grove, Lilac Grove, Hazel Grove, parts of Garnett Road and the Henthorn Road area have been declared 'no cold calling' zones.

Any firms found to be cold calling in the area will be reported to Trading Standards which will warn the firms.

Police, Ribble Valley Council, Trading Standards and neighbourhood watch groups have teamed up to launch the Clitheroe scheme.

Ward councillor Mary Robinson, said: “It just frightens me that elderly residents get bombarded by people knocking on their doors. It is terrible when these bogus callers end up stealing things.

“I am really pleased that they have introduced this scheme into this area because there are many older people living in sheltered accommodation.”

Community Beat Manager PC Tony Walsh said the project could grow to cover the whole town if there was support from the public.

He said: “These zones should help discourage unwanted door sellers and unscrupulous property workmen, as well as making it easier for residents to report any such problems. We are looking at implementing a similar zone in another area of town very soon.”

“No Cold Calling” signs have been put in place and stickers have been offered to residents to put in their windows."

Residents backed the move.

Madge Robinson, 82, said: "I keep a lock on the door and I am very careful who I answer the door to until I know who they are. Unless they have made an appointment I will not let them in.

"The other day a man came round asking if I wanted milk delivered but I did not let him in as I felt quite scared."

Another resident in her 80s, said :”I don’t think people should just call on you without asking you before hand.

"I have put the sticker in my window because I do not want any strangers coming into my house.

"I fully support the new zone.”