RESIDENTS in the Offmore area of Kidderminster are getting fresh support to help guard against cowboy traders.

Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership is launching a new Yee-Ha! Scheme in the district.

It is raising awareness of rogue traders and encourages residents to report any suspicious activity so it can be investigated and action taken on their behalf.

Helen Dyke, chairman of Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership, said, "Offmore was the first area in the county to have a No Rogue Traders Zone, back in October, 2008.

“We have found that it has had a positive effect for residents and helped to reduce fear of crime. The zone has also reduced the activity of door-to-door traders. Now we’re acting on feedback from residents and making more improvements to the zone.

“We want to rid Wyre Forest of all rogue traders so our residents feel safer and are able to trust people who carry out work on their homes."

All homes in the zone have received an updated booklet which explains the service to them. They have also received a sticker and fridge magnet. New high-visibility signs have also been put up to deter rogue traders.

Conservative councillor Tracey Onslow, the district council’s cabinet member for community and partnership services, said: "We work hard to tackle rogue traders in all neighbourhoods across Wyre Forest and will continue to do so.

“Residents have been pleased with how the zone is working in Offmore and we’re taking their feedback on board and incorporating their ideas to step up our campaign against rogue traders.”

If anyone living in the zone sees anything suspicious or suspects a rogue trader has contacted them, they can call Worcestershire Regulatory Services, on 08454 040506. In an emergency, dial 999.