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Nicholas Street, PONTYPOOL, NP4 6JZ

This OS cut mark can be found on the gatepost of the Methodist Chapel, Nicholas Street. It marks a point 156.734m above mean sea level,

Houses on the west side of the street, viewed from Albion Road. The opposite side of the street is occupied by the perimeters of Lower Park Terrace houses.

Viewed from the Crumlin Street end looking east towards Nicholas Street.

Near the Albion Road junction, the sign on the left shows COLD CALLING CONTROL ZONE. This is one of many such zones in Torfaen. The Torfaen County Borough Council website states that in an effort to increase its effectiveness in combating doorstep crime, Torfaen Trading Standards have introduced Cold Calling Control Zones. What is a Cold Calling Control Zone? Doorstep crime includes all aspects of consumer detriment and crime arising from doorstep callers. This includes rogue workmen, high pressure sales people, bogus officials and distraction burglary, and it is well established that rogue traders and distraction burglary are often interrelated. In 2002 a national survey conducted by the Trading Standards Institute reported that 96% of people did not want doorstep cold callers and nobody actually welcomed them. 62% of those questioned reported receiving a cold caller in the previous three months. It is not illegal to make an initial cold call, and a Cold Calling Control Zone has no legal status. However, new legislation has created offences for repeat callers and by working in partnership, such Zones give residents the confidence to say NO to individuals calling on them without a prearranged appointment, and gives the clear message that rogue traders and bogus callers are not welcome in the area. Many bona fide businesses will make life easier for residents by simply popping a catalogue through the door. This avoids any feelings of confrontation on the doorstep and leaves the decision up to the individual as to whether to buy goods etc from the business concerned. How does a Cold Calling Control Zone operate? The Cold Calling Control Zone is very much a partnership initiative between Torfaen County Borough Council, Gwent Police and most importantly local residents themselves. The points of entry into the area will be designated by the placing of lamppost signs, and residents can reinforce the message by placing a sticker in a window close to the front door.

Viewed from the corner of Crumlin Street.

This is the NE corner of Nicholas Street, viewed from the edge of Upper Bridge Street.

Viewed from Upper Park Terrace. The footbridge crosses over the A4043 to a Tesco superstore. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2437854

Coed Cae Place houses are on the left. The right turn ahead, in front of the cars, is for Capel Street. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4325403

Looking south towards Albion Road. All 12 houses in John Street are in this row on the west side of the street.

This OS cut mark can be found on Ivydene, Crumlin Street. It marks a point 159.420m above mean sea level.