PRIVATE sector tenants and landlords are wanted to form part of a team looking into improving rented housing in Rossendale.

Improved management and better standards of housing will be addressed by Rossendale Council's planned accreditation scheme for landlords.

A steering group to look at the proposed scheme is to be established within weeks and councillors want to see landlords and tenants represented on the group.

Councillor Graham Pearson, Rossendale Council leader, said: "It will be a voluntary scheme but similar to ones elsewhere that have improved standards in private rented housing.

"Landlords who sign up to the scheme will be agreeing to adhere to new standards so it is important that everyone is represented at the earliest stage.

Also expected to be represented on the steering group are environmental health staff, housing benefit staff, the fire and rescue service and police.

Tenants or landlords wanting to join the steering group should contact Duncan Shaw on 01706 244702.