A NEW scheme could see landlords in one of Burnley's most deprived areas facing tougher controls in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour.

Burnley Council is hoping to spearhead a selective licensing' scheme in part of the Trinity area, to tackle anti-social behaviour linked to poor tenants and bad landlords.

Under the scheme, an estimated 140 landlords who manage around 415 privately-rented properties will have to apply for licences, prove they are a fit, proper and the most appropriate person to hold the licence, as well as having satisfactory property management.

To apply for the scheme, national guidelines state the area must suffer from low demand housing, where people are choosing to leave rather than live there, and that there is a persistent anti- social behaviour problem.

Parts of Trinity, where one in three homes is privately rented, will be considered for selective licensing if the scheme is approved by the executive committee, and then the full council.

Coun Martin Smith, responsible for housing and regeneration, said: "Anti-social behaviour is about problem people, not problem places.

"It would be wrong to say that all landlords in Trinity are bad landlords. They are not, and many support what we are doing as they recognise the wider benefits "Selective licensing is not a cure all'. It is part of our protection package to form safer communities.

"Trinity may be the starting point, but other parts of that package will continue inside and outside Trinity.

"There is still a long way to go, but we hope to start licensing in parts of Trinity by April 2008."

If the report is approved later this month, there will be further consultation in Trinity, before returning to the council for full approval.