Dear Editor,

Can I please respond to the letter about doorstep sellers from Mr Haselden last week.

We had the very same problem in our area a couple of years ago. Most weeks there would be a young man on the doorstep, laughing his head off, as he claimed that he had ‘been a naughty boy’.

We have a notice in our porch saying that we do not buy goods at the door under any circumstances, and when I pointed this out politely each time I received a mouthful of abuse and the comment that ‘my neighbours had been more generous’.

In the end I contacted my MP Jesse Norman, and he looked into the matter for me. He replied to me saying that there is no such thing as a scheme like this, it is all a scam, and originated in Nottingham, hence the term used for them as Nottingham Knockers.

He confirmed that it is right to send them away, and suggested that if the problem persisted then to contact either the Trading Standards Office or the local police.

As neither of these services are likely to have anyone to come to the rescue speedily, I think it is down to all of us to keep vigilant and keep saying no, plus keep all the doors locked. Maybe Mr Haselden would like to contact Mr Norman again and see if he can help once more.

Rosemary Jones,

Ross