DOORSTEP salesmen who call unannounced are now banned in Chalkwell.

Police, trading standards officials and Southend Council have set up a No Cold Calling scheme in the area, following complaints from residents.

The scheme - which has the backing of recent powers given to councils to control problem behaviour - is now working in an area bounded by Kings Road, the Ridgeway, Chalkwell Avenue and the Drive.

The council has put up signs and is giving residents stickers warning uninvited salespeople not to bother knocking.

If anyone defies the ban, they could face a fine.

Insp Dave Colwell, of Leigh police, believes the scheme will help cut crime and hopes it will discourage doorstep conmen.

He said: "We have had many complaints in this area about cold-callers.

"We have worked in close partnership with Trading Standards for the launch of this scheme and believe it will be a positive step to reduce the fear of crime in the area.

"Police patrols will still be active in the area, so with the combination of the patrols and the No Cold Calling Zone, we hope positive results will follow.

"If this scheme proves to be a success we hope to roll it out to other areas."

After sending letters to homeowners in Chalkwell, more than 70 per cent of householders who responded said they wanted such a scheme.

Ian Robertson, Chalkwell ward councillor, said he was pleased so many residents appeared enthusiastic about the scheme.

He added: "It has already proved a great success in Shoebury, where we launched a pilot scheme last year."