A PROPOSED licensing scheme for landlords on a housing estate has won the backing of residents.

A survey found more than 90 per cent of them in favour of the proposed system for the Wembley estate, in Easington Colliery.

Easington District Council is considering introducing the scheme to raise the standards of privately-rented homes, as part of a project to improve the lives of estate residents.

The proposal would mean all private landlords would have to apply for a licence from the authority before they could rent out a property.

Supporters say this would give the council greater control over the condition and management of properties.

The survey also found that:

* more than 67 per cent of people had experienced problems with private rented properties in the area

l more than 77 per cent said they were aware of owner-occupiers moving away from the estate, due to the problems they had encountered.

Shirley Wild, the council's housing renewal manager, said: "A selective licensing scheme would enable us to change these trends and make real improvements to the Wembley area, so we are very pleased to have the support of local residents."

The results of the survey will be included in a report to the Government, which will decide whether the scheme can be introduced.