Plans to introduce a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ on Weir Estate and surrounding areas, has stalled due to the impending local and general elections. Trading Standards had been set to introduce the scheme during April, which will prevent nuisance and unwanted cold callers to residents properties.

Weir Estate has been included in the scheme which was meant to have been introduced by Lambeth’s Trading Standards but following intervention from Lambeth Councils legal department who scuppered the roll out over concerns it could interfere with law surrounding local elections which are due to take place on 6th May.

Local councillors, who campaigned to secure a no cold calling zone for the area, would be involved in its introduction across the ward and due to strict ‘purdah’ guidance to local councils under the Local Government Act 1986.
The zone will principally prevent elderly and vulnerable residents from being victims of cold caller’s intent on committing crime while also giving all residents peace of mind from disturbance at their homes by any cold callers from energy suppliers, to people selling goods. Residents will receive a pack informing them how to report breaches of the zone which will take in Weir and Radbourne Roads as well as connecting streets.

Trading standards supported by the local police and Lambeth Council will carry out sanctions against offenders breaching the zone which will also be signalled by signs in the area.

Trading Standards Manager, Robert Gardner explains “We were due to launch the scheme in early April but have had recent legal advice to delay the scheme until after the election. I hope this does not cause too much inconvenience but we are ready with the signs prepared and advice packs and will launch in early May.”

The plans were formulated following concerns raised by local residents to Labour’s Thornton Councillors who then had to ensure Weir Estate was included in the scheme as it was initially left out of the original designed area. The support for the scheme across the affected area in the zone is said to be ‘high’ and therefore will be rolled out following the elections.

There are already two No cold Calling Zones working well in Lambeth in Streatham Vale and parts of the Thurlow Park Ward.

Weir Estate Residents Association supports the scheme and the association will make every effort to ensure that residents are well informed of how it works as well as ensuring the scheme is enforced by the authorities. Residents can also inform trading standards over cold callers in the interim period and should report anyone mis-selling goods on the doorstep as well as the usual safety advice provided by the police particularly to elderly such as using door chains, not letting people in, checking ID with any company or organisation who they claim to belong to and not buying goods unless you are absolutely sure.