Parklands in Malmesbury is to become a ‘no cold calling zone’ after proposals by the town council’s policy and resources committee.

The zone will cover the row of bungalows, numbers one to 17, that face onto the main road leading into Sherston.

The scheme has been devised to prevent and reduce doorstep crime, distraction burglary and rogue trading.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “When a ‘no cold calling zone’ is set up it means cold callers who wish to sell at the door are excluded from that area.

“We work closely with partners including town councils to deliver the scheme and it has proven to be successful in the fight against doorstep crime and to assist the more elderly residents to remain safe in their homes.”

Under the community-led scheme, residents will be able to report directly to police and Trading Standards if there is an infringement. Any community can consider their area becoming a zone.