UNWELCOME callers have been given the cold shoulder by residents of a Cleethorpes street who banded together to keep them at bay.
Residents of College Street, near Isaac's Hill, formed a Neighbourhood Watch group in April and one of their first moves was to make the road a "Cold Calling Control Zone" including signs warning salespeople against knocking on doors.
Their community working has been described as a "real credit to the borough" by council officials.
As part of the cold calling blitz, a number of signs warning of the zone were erected in the street and residents were given advice on how to avoid falling victim to doorstep callers.
Speaking at the group's September meeting on Wednesday, group chair Paul Cookson said the move had benefited residents.
"At the end of the day you can't stop somebody knocking on your door, but we're certainly not getting as many as we used to," he said.
"Ironically when the signs went up we did have loft insulation people coming round, but we have had nothing since."
Resident Jo Priestley said the signs also acted as an extra deterrent because householders could point callers towards them if they did happen to answer the door to them.
Neil Clark, community protection manager at Trading Standards, said: "These zones have been created and supported by members of the community.
"They are a very good idea and a useful deterrent to prevent rogue traders.
"I have been pleased to work with the College Street residents to support this introduction of the zone which will help prevent rogue trading and doorstep crime."
As well as the introduction of the cold calling zone, the group has also overseen the introduction of residents-only parking permits. And plans are also in place to bring in CCTV cameras to the street next year to help prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.
The aim is to raise money towards the cost of the cameras and apply for matched funding grants.
Group members will soon distribute petitions to local residents calling for support for the cameras.
Councillor Ray Oxby, portfolio holder for the environment and housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, praised the work of the residents.
"College Street is a real credit to the borough," he said.
"It's great to see neighbours pulling together with great enthusiasm and pride in their community to work with the council and make big improvements to their environment.
"This is an excellent model and example of partnership working in action."
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter