A LONG awaited scheme to solve problems with areas blighted by empty homes and flytipping has been given the green light.

The Private Landlord Licensing Scheme to be implemented in parts of Peel, Barnfield, Central, Spring Hill, Church and Church Kirk wards, was rubber stamped by councillors after a survey of hundreds of people in affected areas.

Out of 978 respondents, just under 80 per cent of residents backed the council’s plans to stamp out rogue landlords and end the problems in the most deprived areas. The Landlord Licencing Scheme was first called for in 2006 in response to long term empty properties, deteriorating buildings and nuisance tenants.

But Hyndburn Council hit numerous snags in trying to implement the project when a group, Hyndburn Landlords, had the scheme over-turned in the High Court.

Of residents who took part in the consultation, 51 per cent said the biggest problem was fly tipping in the area.

In total 47 per cent said many houses in the area were of poor quality.

And 45 per cent said nuisance and anti-social behaviour from tenants was an issue.

The survey found 43 per cent said the high level of empty homes was the biggest issue.

Out of all the residents who responded, 79 per cent said they supported the council’s bid to introduce regulation for landlords.

A mixed result was given when landlords were consulted.

Then 67 per cent of those who responded disagreed with selective licensing.

Hyndburn Landlords group, which represents a key section, said it supported the idea of regulation ‘in principle’ but that the proposed area was too large to be effecitively managed.

They requested an alternative in which the Springhill and Wood-nook area was licensed first on a pilot basis.