A Powys village sets up no-go zone for rogue traders

A rogue trader control zone has been set up around a village in an effort to reduce doorstep crime.

Residents in Llangedwyn, near Llanfyllin, Powys, have signed up for the scheme which will see them report anything suspicious to the police.

The village has been repeatedly targeted by criminals and is the first in the county to benefit from such as zone, says Powys council.

Notices warning rogue traders have been put up on lampposts and in homes.

Powys council's trading standards department is working with Dyfed-Powys Police through the community safety partnership, and the scheme is planned in other communities.

Clive Jones of trading standards said: "Rogue traders target some of our rural communities so we must develop initiatives to ensure that they're not successful and brought to justice.

'Actions'

"The zone is a preventative measure introduced to improve consumer protection, particularly in communities vulnerable to exploitation, but also making sure we have clear lines to support legitimate businesses to operate without hindrance."

Ch Insp Chris Curtis of Dyfed-Powys Police said people in Llangedwyn, which has a population of around 380, supported the scheme.

He added: "We will be working with other communities to set these zones up if they have problems and our actions are needed."

Joan Branton, home watch co-ordinator for Llangedwyn, said rogue traders would not be tolerated in the village.