VILLAGERS have welcomed the launch of the Kirklees area's first `no trade zone' to try to eliminate doorstep criminals.

Emley has been chosen to test the idea.

Yesterday, villagers joined forces with Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership, West Yorkshire Trading Standards, Kirklees Victim Support and Emley Neighbourhood Watch to test the project.

Council officials put up signs on lamp-posts, warning rogue traders of the project.

Door stickers at homes will also warn all uninvited sales people - genuine or not - that they are not welcome in the village.

Residents have been urged to call the police and give descriptions of anyone failing to comply.

The villagers also have access to a trading standards hotline number to report doorstep traders.

The signs were welcomed by partnership chairman Clr Andrew Marchington.

He said: "We want to reduce doorstep crime across the district.

"This scheme will send out a strong message to cold callers and rogue traders that they are not welcome.

"We are also working hard to make sure other residents across the district report the problem.

"Doorstep criminals are ruthless and they get away with conning people out of money because they appear so confident.

"But saying 'no' and showing them the door is all it takes to stop yourself from becoming their next victim."