Derby Homes has been working in partnership with local Police and the Council’s Trading Standards team to introduce ‘no cold calling’ zones for supported living tenants.  The aim of the zones is to deter uninvited sales people from calling at properties in the area. 
 
“We have consulted with tenants about the zones and talked to them about why they are being introduced,” explained Derby Homes’ Paula Solowij, who has been project managing the campaign.  “As part of the initiative we’ve delivered information and stickers to residents, and fitted ‘No Cold Calling’ signs in the target neighbourhoods.  The majority of Derby Homes’ supported living tenants are either elderly or disabled, which makes them some of the most vulnerable residents and particularly in need of protection from unwanted callers and door-to-door salespeople.”
 
As well as street signs and window stickers, Derby Homes has delivered an information pack to supported living tenants offering advice on how to deter unwanted callers and rogue traders.  The Police have also provided a special telephone number for tenants to call if they are concerned about unwanted callers.  Calls to this number will be prioritised and appropriate action will be taken. 
 
Ian Terry, Enforcement Officer with Derby City Council’s Trading Standards department said: “I’m sure the residents of the 14 new ‘no cold calling’ zones will benefit from their introduction.  These zones certainly help to deter rogue traders and door-to-door salespeople.  It’s never a good idea to do business on the doorstep, as it’s too easy to get talked into buying goods or services you don’t really need.”