ROGUE traders will be shown the door in Grassington after a new scheme was launched to protect householders against doorstep crime.

"No cold calling" zones have been set up to deter the myriad of bogus builders, nuisance callers and high pressure doorstep salesmen who plague residents.

Police and trading standards officers have joined forces with county council community safety partners to implement the scheme in Sedber Lane and Aynham Close.

Grassington's no cold calling zones are the first in Craven and the sixth in the county.

So far, crime of this kind has plummeted by almost a third in Great Ayton, where the scheme was pioneered three months ago.

Executive member for community services, Coun John Fort said the scheme was community-led and residents had to band together in agreement before applying to join the zone.

"This will send out a clear signal to those people who operate like this that they are not welcome in this area.

"The cold calling system puts undue pressure on householders by having someone knocking at their door, often at dusk, trying to get them to buy something or have work done," he said.

The former policeman added that reputable traders could make contact by other means and then be invited into a household at the owners' wish.

Companies who persist with unreasonable tactics were warned they would be dealt with swiftly and harshly. A response team will be on standby to respond immediately to distress calls from concerned residents.

Signs have been put into the no cold calling zones to warn off perpetrators, and residents have been given cards that they can flash to unwanted visitors.

Coun Shelagh Marshall said: "I'm absolutely delighted this has been introduced to protect people.

"I think people, especially older people, will be as safe as they can be now."

Coun Marshall highlighted the tactics of "unscrupulous" tricksters posing as skilled tradesmen in Craven. She said their approach could be heavy handed, especially when it was time for payment.

"It will give people the confidence they can do something about a cold caller. They can say no. I would like to think they have a chain on the door and they put it on when there is a knock on the door," she added.

More zones could be created in Craven soon and residents in Gargrave, Giggleswick and Embsay have expressed an interest.

North Yorkshire senior trading standards officer David Titchener said the scheme would stop areas being targeted by gangs of criminals.

He said: "The message gets out, they know it's not worth their while. It's giving people the confidence that we and the police will support them."

Residents who feel their neighbourhood would benefit from a no cold calling zone should contact the county council trading standards service on 01609 768654.