MORE than 100 prosecutions of housing landlords are in the pipeline in Burnley as part of a crackdown on rogue property agents.

Half of the homes in the town’s Trinity ward, between Manchester Road, Burnham Gate and Cog Lane, are included in a new selective licensing zone, drawn up by town hall housing chiefs.

Its aim is to guarantee minimum acceptable standards for properties, and their management, in the private rented sector. But a significant min-ority of landlords have not signed up to the scheme and are risking fines of up to £20,0000 by not doing so.

Coun Martin Smith, housing cabinet member, said: “This just reinforces the commitment that we have to making this selective licensing scheme work.

“Hopefully once this takes off, it will make sure that a number of other landlords, who are not signed up, register with the scheme.”

The scheme, covering major streets including Piccadilly Road, Harold Street and Tay Street, was first introduced for Trinity in October 2008.

Councils can secure management orders against individual homes. Then, if it is deemed that the house needs urgent repairs, these can be carried out by authorities, with a charge made against the site. Plans to appoint a company to oversee the management, day-to-day running and rent collection from such properties have now been approved by the council’s executive.

A budget will need to be set up to carry out initial upgrades, or remove hazards, from unlicensed homes. It is envisaged the cost of repairs can later be recouped from rents, although additional debts may still need to be recovered through legal action.