Residents were keen to prevent doorstep crime at their homes so they worked with our Trading Standards team and Police Scotland to set up the zone.

Signs have been placed in the streets around the complex making it clear that cold callers are not welcome. Any issues can be reported easily and they will then be investigated.

“The No Cold Calling Zone at Caplaw Grove is the latest initiative like this to be set up at retirement facilities, helping residents to feel safer in their homes,” Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

“Sadly, we regularly see cases of unscrupulous traders trying to sell services like gardening and roofing using misleading or aggressive tactics. The work is often very expensive, poor quality or left unfinished, with residents left out of pocket and having to get someone else to complete or repair the shoddy work.

“The No Cold Calling Zones are part of a range of actions we take, in partnership with Police Scotland, to address doorstep crime and protect our residents.”

Anyone with concerns about rogue traders, should contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Scams can also be reported to Advice Direct Scotland helpline on 0808 164 6000 or visit www.consumeradvice.scot/

Advice from Trading Standards is:

• Don’t let cold callers do any work on your home.
• If you think you may need some work doing, get three written quotes from reputable firms.
• Do not be pressurised into handing over any money or paying money into company bank accounts.
• Do not make any large payments upfront.