A SCHEME to sort out Burnley's rogue landlords has been dismissed as a waste of time and money.

New figures reveal that just 69 of 1,900 private sector landlords have signed up for the Good Landlord and Tenant Scheme (GLTS).

The voluntary scheme was established in September 2002 and has been taking landlord applications since January 2003.

Leader of the Conservatives on Burnley Council, Coun Peter Doyle said figures showed the scheme was a failure. He added: "This is a complete waste of money. People are not getting any benefit because the good landlords are registering, but the bad ones are not. This is taxpayers' money that is being poured down the drain. It is a waste of time and money."

But council leader Stuart Caddy said: "The figures are good news. This is 69 more landlords registered than we have ever had. We want to get more and eventually the scheme will be in operation right across the borough."

The scheme aims to improve and promote good standards in management and property condition within the private rent sector.

It also offers advice and support to private landlords and their tenants. Another aim is to raise property condition standards to improve the environment and wide choice.

Improving private sector rented accommodation was highlighted as one of the priorities in the Task Force report into the Burnley riots of 2001.