HEAVY-HANDED utilities salesmen have had the door firmly slammed in their faces.

For, in what is a victory for the WHT’s long-running ‘No Cold Callers’ campaign, they now have to officially obey our signs.

New rules came into play on October 1, declaring that energy and utilities salesman MUST NOT knock on doors displaying a clear and unambiguous no cold caller sticker.

The WHT has been campaigning for more than five years after complaints from residents that many energy salesman use “foot-in-the-door” techniques and do not leave when asked in a bid to gain custom.

Our successful window stickers can be seen across the area, but now they must be obeyed.

If you display a sticker and still get a knock on the door from an uninvited energy salesman, you can then report he or she to the Energy Ombudsman.

Christine McGourty, director of Energy UK said: “From today, changes to the EnergySure Code mean all energy companies will agree not to call at homes displaying a clear and unambiguous sign requesting ‘no cold calling’.

“The energy industry is constantly seeking to improve this code which aims to protect consumers and ensure the highest standards in energy sales.”

Our campaign has always been supported by Herts Police and Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

Welwyn Hatfield inspector Ian Grout said: “It’s vitally important residents have a say in whether they wish to be disturbed by cold callers.

“Although most cold callers are genuinely offering a service, we would advise residents not to part with any cash or agree to have any work done from a stranger calling at their door.

“We’ve a duty of care to the vulnerable and elderly members of our community and fully support the Welwyn Hatfield Times’ campaign.”

*To celebrate the victory and to help readers who missed out on our original sticker giveaway the WHT has printed more, which will be available next week at stalls in the Howard Centre in WGC and Asda in Hatfield to readers who have bought this week’s paper (published on October 6).