BEDFORDSHIRE County Council has taken the next step towards the creation of no cold calling zones covering Biggleswade and Sandy. The council is distributing booklets and stickers to all households describing how the zones will work. They will be delivere

BEDFORDSHIRE County Council has taken the next step towards the creation of no cold calling zones covering Biggleswade and Sandy.

The council is distributing booklets and stickers to all households describing how the zones will work. They will be delivered via local newspapers and community groups over the next few weeks.

No cold calling zones have been designed to make areas unattractive to cowboy workmen and doorstep sellers, but have also been effective in reducing crime.

Cllr Bob King, cabinet member for community services, said: "No cold calling zones are immensely popular with our residents across Bedfordshire, and it is no surprise that the people of Biggleswade and Sandy asked us to extend the scheme to their towns.

"The booklet we are distributing explains how the zones will work, and the sticker is a great reminder to callers that you don't buy from your doorstep.

"In Bedfordshire, no cold calling zones have helped to reduce distraction burglaries by 27 per cent, and domestic burglary by 21 per cent. I'm very hopeful that they will have a similar impact in Biggleswade and Sandy."

Bedfordshire County Council has pioneered no cold calling zones, and is the only council in the country to employ special police constables to enforce them.

Anyone who hasn't received their booklet or sticker can call Bedfordshire County Council on 01234 228897. To report a cold caller, phone 08454 04 05 06.