TWO new areas of Burnley have begun a selective licensing scheme, promising improvements in the private rented sector for landlords and tenants.

Coun John Harbour, deputy council leader and the new cabinet member for housing, has confirmed that the Queensgate and Gannow areas have now been designated for the initiative.

Landlords and agents have been sent application packs and informed that there is a £100 discount if they are returned before October 30.

The same scheme has been in operation in the Trinity area for some time and the licence was extended last January. Nearly 200 landlords have been licensed.

Coun Harbour has told colleagues: “Regular meetings are taking place with both residents and agencies in order to highlight and tackle any anti-social behaviour caused by private tenants and to deal with any breaches of the licence conditions.

“We are currently in the process of recruiting the additional staff for the team to be able to deal with the new applications and monitoring for the areas.”