SLIP
END IS A NO COLD CALLING ZONE!
In September 2006, Slip End, Pepperstock, Aley Green
and Woodside joined many other parishes in Bedfordshire, in becoming a No
Cold Calling Zone.
The purpose of these zones is to raise awareness amongst parishioners of the
threat posed by bogus callers and to give residents support in refusing to
answer calls from speculative salespeople, genuine or otherwise.
Ten boards have been purchased and located around the boundary of the parish
to make potential callers aware that they are not welcome.
Additionally leaflets and window stickers were delivered to every
home in the parish at the start of September explaining the scheme.
The window stickers have, on their reverse, the telephone numbers of
local utility companies, in order that concerned residents can check the
authenticity of the caller, should they have any doubts.
Special constables within our area run the scheme, and currently there is a
response team of four officers covering our parish and others within
Bedfordshire. In the event of
an unwanted caller, ring the rapid response team on
08454 04 05 06
It should be noted that some callers are exempt and these include utility
salespeople and meter readers along with those canvassing for political
parties. Furthermore, should
you wish to take calls from passing Salespeople who persist in calling
despite the signs around the village, you are of course at liberty to do so.
The scheme was initially championed by Matt Allwright of the Rogue Traders
TV programme under the name “Bogus? Phone Us” but has been developed and
formalised over recent months. By
the end of the year, Bedfordshire intends to be a No Cold Calling County.
Representatives from the No Cold Calling team visit some of our monthly
Parish Council Meetings - to
see if they are attending the next meeting check the agenda. This is posted
on the Parish Council Notice Boards at:
·
Slip End Post Office
·
Junction of Manor Road and Elaine Gardens, Woodside
·
The bus shelter in Pepperstock near Brickhill Park
Alternatively, if you have any queries, call them directly on the number
given or contact
Nikki West
(Clerk to Slip End Parish Council) for further information on 01582 402312.