COLD callers, doorstep sellers and pushy pedlars are banned from a part of Golborne that is Wigan borough's first official No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ).

The zone covers Thornfield Close and Lancaster Avenue and is an attempt to crack down on rogue traders, doorstep conmen and distraction burglars.

Wigan Council's Trading Standards team has worked closely with the police, Age Concern and other agencies to set up the zone where any doorstep sellers who call on residents without an appointment, will be told they are not welcome.

The area is prominently identified with high visibility signs and residents have been encouraged to report anyone trying to sell door-to-door to the Trading Standards team.

Wigan Chief Trading Standards officer Alan Blundell said: "We get a lot of complaints from people who have agreed to have work done at their homes after they have had someone turning up on the doorstep.

"In many instances they have been charged extortionate amounts of money for very poor quality work, or in some cases for work that was completely unnecessary. These traders often avoid any comeback by giving out false details.

"We don't want to obstruct legitimate businesses but we are aware that these rogue traders who call round uninvited are often involved in serious criminal activity. This often includes people who claim to be from organisations such as the council or water board to get into someone's home to steal their belongings."

The zone has been funded through the Greater Manchester Police Authority and all residents in the area have been visited and briefed on how to handle unwanted callers.

Inspector Gail Spruce from Greater Manchester Police said she hoped the zone would give residents the confidence they needed to just slam the door'.

"We are encouraging people to not even speak to people who turn up at their door unannounced," said Insp Spruce.