Homeowner threatens cold callers with £25,000 fine and puts up massive fence

12 December 2023 , 17:40

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The imposing barrier and legal notice makes it perfectly clear the residents do not want any cold callers

A fed-up resident has built a massive fence outside the front of their house and posted a legal notice warning cold callers they face a £25,000 minimum fine.

We’ve all been there, you’ve just lowered yourself into the bath, or you’re halfway through putting the kids to bed and there’s a knock on the door which turns out to be someone trying to sell you something, or asking you to donate to a good cause. While many of us find cold callers unwelcome, one Bristol resident has taken matters to the extreme in an attempt to preserve their privacy.

The resident of the terraced house in Bristol’s Bedminster neighbourhood appears to have erected a tall wooden fence in front of the two-up-two-down home. The front door letterbox has also been blocked off and a large black post box attached to the front fence to receive mail, along with an official-sounding warning to anyone thinking of knocking.

The elaborate notice in front of the regular terraced home appears to ban people putting junk mail through the letterbox

The legal notice warns of dire consequences to anyone who steps into the small front porch and knocks on the door. Entry is ‘by invitation only’, the sign begins, and ‘trespass and damages fees apply’. It goes on: “Implied rights to access permissions removed.”

The sign continues: “To all persons corporations councils and agents thereof. Vehicles manned or remotely operated” before outlining the ‘fee schedule’ should anyone trespass. Minimum penalty £25,000 or 1,500 Troy ounces of British silver coins. Per person or per vehicle per offence including vehicles either manned or remotely operated.” At present 1500 Troy ounces of silver is the equivalent to £27,360.

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The resident then quotes the case law that backs up their right to charge trespass penalties - all of which appear to be from New South Wales in Australia, Bristol Live reports. The notice ends with: “This means you are bound and agree to this contract by entering uninvited, whether you think so or not - applies to you whether you think so or not. ID to be surrendered for inspection.”

Tristan Cork