Politicians exempt from Cold Calling ?

Following our recent news item about the 'no cold caller' zone in Rhos, near Neath, we have received the following item from a political candidate:-

"One quick point I want you to bring to the attention of your readers, cold-calling signs are exempt from political parties and politicians. I have spoken to Rhys George, the independent electoral officer for NPTCBC and I have done my own personal research and it is clear, political parties are legally exempt from cold-calling signs due to the need for elected members/candidates to effectively communicate with the people they want to/are representing. Political parties and individuals are encouraged to respect the times they knock doors."

A member of a Neath Neighbourhood Watch scheme said that this matter would be looked into because of the possibility of someone falsely claiming to be a member of a political party.

Political candidates are advised of a backlash when the houseowner may vote for an opposing party to express his/her protest following an unwelcome call - although the caller may not be told this at the time of calling.   Many residents do NOT like uninvited calls, even if there is no notice to say so.

The same goes for unwelcome political telephones calls.   Maybe everyone should vote for caring candidates who respect the privacy of residents, that is, the candidates with caring websites and those who put newsletters through your letterbox all the year round - and not just at election time when they are after your vote.

Ed Note  We feel we must independently say that there is an advantage in knowing who is likely to represent us on the council and parliament.  However, it a pity that we seem to see some politicians only when they want our vote - that is why it is so important for those elected to keep in touch between elections in one way or another.