Ref. 73010-30BLIND people are hoping for a trouble-free Halloween thanks to our trick-or-treat poster cam-paign.

The Swindon branch of the Wiltshire Blind Association is distributing 30 posters to its members.

Chairman John Vickery, 72, is partially sighted himself, and has suffered at the hands of Halloween tricksters.

"Younger children are usually accompanied by their parents, but the older ones can be a nuisance," he said.

"I have had them round, and they can be really annoying if they don't get a treat."

Mr Vickery will distribute the posters at the group's meetings at Craven House in Victoria Road.

"Hopefully, they will stop youngsters from banging on people's doors," he said. "We always tell our members not to answer the door after dark.

"Trick or treaters can be scary and intimidating, especially to those who can't see them."

Since last week, more than 250 householders have requested a poster.

The campaign launched by the Evening Advertiser and Swindon police is aimed at stopping the annual misery inflicted on householders by Halloween pranksters.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "We're really pleased with the take up, it just goes to show the way many people feel about trick or treaters.

"Putting up one of these posters sends a clear message on Halloween that the occupants do not want be bothered.

"A small group of young children with a parent is one thing, but older children wearing disguises can cause real misery for people, especially the elderly and vulnerable.

"I'm sure the problems are even worse for anyone who is partially sighted."

Tamash Lal