Residents were keen to prevent doorstep crime at their homes so they worked with North Lanarkshire Council’s 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.”