A SCHEME to accredit private landlords, pioneered by residents, is to be launched in Hyndburn this summer.

Landlords participating will have their properties inspected and be given accreditation based on basic standards of factors, including heating and damp-proofing.

The idea was first mooted by West Accrington Residents Association (WERA) four years ago, with the group conducting research into similar schemes around the country.

Their findings were given to the council who successfully applied for a £125,000 grant from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, enabling the scheme to get off the ground.

The emphasis will be on the four priority wards where most of the borough's 1,200 private rented properties are situated.

A code of practice document is being prepared and there will be a two-stage path to accreditation. Landlords who want to join but don't meet the standards will be given advice. Those already meeting the standards will be awarded a certificate following inspection.

The scheme, which is voluntary, caused bad feeling between the council and WERA earlier this year when chairman Bernard Sullivan and vice-chairman Michael Parkinson resigned, saying the council had taken all the credit for the association's work. Earlier this month Mr Sullivan decided to return as vice-chairman.

He said: "This is what we wanted. There are people living in places they shouldn't be living in because of the state of the places and unscrupulous landlords.

"There are more good landlords than bad ones. Now the council are running this scheme, the people who haven't bothered before will want to, otherwise they won't get tenants."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe, said: "Local residents associations have been key to the introduction of the scheme, particularly West Accrington Residents Association, who carried out research into accreditation schemes and brought their findings to the council.

"This resulted in the council and other agencies and community group representatives setting up a steering group and successfully applying for Neighbourhood Renewal Funding to introduce this scheme." Joan Pilkington, secretary of WERA, said: "I'm delighted that Bernard and Mick have finally got the recognition they deserve. They worked endlessly on this and it's a credit to them. I feel sorry Bernard felt the need to resign over this issue but he has returned as our vice chairman.

"Hopefully this scheme will start to improve the rented properties in the borough, which can only be a good thing. There are good landlords who will benefit but there are bad landlords who hopefully will be persuaded it's the way forward."

Councillor Tony Dobson, portfolio holder for public housing, said: "This is good news not only for tenants and landlords but also for the wider community of Hyndburn. The scheme will give potential tenants the peace of mind of having a quality benchmark by ensuring the council works with landlords to acknowledge and encourage lettings that meet a reasonable physical and good management standard.

"Landlords will also benefit from the free marketing of properties through the scheme, and will have access to information relating to energy efficiency, fire safety and security grants.

"Overall the scheme will help us towards our goal of a confident and stable private and rented sector."