30 November 2012 Last updated at 10:33 ET

Army families in Inverness cold call control zone pilot

More than half a million pounds was handed over to cold calling traders in 2011/12

A cold call control zone (CCCZ) is to be set up for the first time in the Highlands.

The pilot will involve Army families and their neighbours living in Wimberley Way in Inverness.

The project is a response to rising numbers of complaints about traders knocking on doors seeking business.

Businesses cannot be prevented from entering a CCCZ, however, streets signs and window stickers promoting the zone may act as a deterrent.

An offence can be committed when a trader refuses to leave a property if asked to do so.

The Army community in Inverness is linked to the city's Cameron Barracks and Fort George at nearby Ardersier.

Northern Constabulary, the Military Police and Highland Council's trading standards will be involved in the pilot, which will be launched next month.

It will be reviewed every six months.

During 2011/12, Highland Council trading standards received 209 complaints about work done following a traders' cold call.

Officers estimated that more than £200,000 in total was handed over to the businesses.