Signs have now gone up around Welsby Road, Yarrow Road and Yarrow Place to deter rogue traders and reduce bogus official-type burglaries.

The scheme - thought to be the first of its kind in Leyland - was announced in May, and residents in the area have been further re-assured with the introduction of the high-visibility 'no cold-calling' signs.

Steve Brimble, lead officer with Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, said the aim of the zone and the signage is to give residents the 'confidence' to refuse to answer the door.

He said: "Cold calling can be unsettling, particularly for the elderly, who often feel very uncomfortable when traders knock at their door.

"Rogue traders charge thousands of pounds for little or no work and some are involved in distraction-type burglaries where crooks con their way into someone's home under false pretences.

"A 'no cold-calling' area acts as a deterrent to unwanted doorstep callers, raises awareness amongst residents and gives the residents the confidence to say 'no' to doorstep sellers.

"Our advice is always to say 'no' to uninvited sales people."

For more on this story pick-up your copy of this weeks Guardian