BOGUS doorstep tradesmen have been told to knock elsewhere by homeowners in Downley after the launch of a new scheme to rid the area of unwanted callers.

Bright yellow signs declaring the area a Doorstep Selling Free Zone were put up around the village in the last two weeks and stickers have been handed out to residents stating "We do not buy at this door."

These measures form part of an initiative by Bucks Trading Standards and Neighbourhood Watch to prevent rogue traders intimidating people into buying products at their front door.

David Aucent, 67, from Neighbourhood Watch, was approached by Trading Standards about the scheme.

He said: "We are trying to stop these poor people being clobbered by people who con the elderly in particular out of money. The hope is that by putting these signs around it might encourage more people to report it."

The signs make it an offence for someone to go onto a resident's property uninvited and will give police the power to move them on.

The scheme was introduced to Downley after a successful trial in Princes Risborough last year.

Trading Standards officers have had a marked decrease in the number of incidents involving bogus doorstop sellers since signs were introduced to parts of Risborough.

Frank Yabsley, from Trading Standards, said the signs could also act as a deterrent to burglars who may pose as tradesmen to get information on properties they are looking to target.

He said: "We would like to put these signs up anywhere where we are getting lots of burglaries. The neighbourhood police like it because it makes their job easier. It is amazing what a difference a simple sign can make."

Leaflets giving residents details about the scheme were produced using money from Downley Parish Council, who have taken up the scheme in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch.

Chris Hamilton, parish clerk, said: "It is early days but hopefully the scheme will be a great success. I think it will go very well."

Mr Aucent added: "Hopefully we will save a lot of people a lot of pain."