NEW council tenants will now be put on probation to prove that they can be good neighbours.

The first of Bury's introductory tenancies will start on Monday (December 22), and should make it easier for council landlords to tackle nuisance behaviour and recover rent arrears.

Tenants who behave themselves for 12 months will be automatically granted a secure tenancy. Housing bosses think that a tenant who is going to be a "neighbour from hell" is more likely to be so in the first year of their tenancy.

Before now, only a court order could remove a tenant from his home. Now, the council will serve a legal notice on problem tenants and ask the court for an eviction date: and a judge cannot refuse, as long as the council has followed the correct procedures.

Councillor Tim Chamberlain, executive member for regeneration and housing, said: "We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and dealing quickly with tenants who do not pay their rent. It therefore gives all new tenants the opportunity to demonstrate that they are willing to be good tenants.

"Evidence from other local authorities is that using introductory tenancies helps to promote a strong anti-nuisance message. Witnesses feel more secure in providing evidence as the courts are unable to refuse a request for eviction should the case proceed that far. Reports also suggest that tenants are more aware of their responsibilities to the community they live in."