OTTERBOURNE is the latest village to create a ‘no cold calling zone’ to deter doorstep conmen and pushy traders.

A total of 39 have now been established across Hampshire, with more set to follow in the coming months.

The new one in Otterbourne will cover 70 properties in Oakwood Avenue and Oakwood Close.

Hampshire County Council’s trading standards department and Hampshire police are setting up the zones.

The council’s chief executive, Andrew Smith, said: “We now have 39 ‘no cold calling zones’ in Hampshire that are helping thousands of households see a significant reduction in the number of cold calls they receive.

“The local knowledge and strong support from residents has enabled us to select the zones where they will have the most impact and send a firm message that rogue traders and distraction burglars are not welcome in Hampshire.

“The introduction of these zones and information packs available to households has made residents feel safer in their homes and more confident in dealing with cold callers.”

The information packs include window stickers to highlight where the scheme applies.

While the zones are designed to deter pushy traders, they are not meant to exclude legitimate callers ranging from Avon ladies to councillors.

To report cold callers in restricted areas, call Hampshire police on 0845 045 4545 or Trading Standards on 0845 4040 506.