LANDLORDS will come under scrutiny at a public meeting to improve the quality of life for tenants.

The project by Hartlepool Borough Council's Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Forum is to examine a wide range of issues relating to private-sector rented accommodation.

The meeting, which is open to the public, gets under way at 2pm tomorrow. It will focus on such issues as housing benefit, the demolition of properties and how this has affected private landlords, and the advantages and disadvantages of shared-ownership housing.

Councillor Gerard Hall, chairman of the scrutiny forum, said: "It is perceived that a large proportion of anti-social behaviour in our communities emanates from tenants living in privately rented properties.

"This is going to be an interesting scrutiny investigation and we want as many townspeople as possible to come to the meeting and participate, whether it be residents, tenants or private landlords."

As part of the inquiry, a focus group, comprising forum councillors, residents, tenants and landlords, will be held in the town onWednesday, December 13, at 6pm, in West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue, Hartlepool.

If anyone is interested in attending this event to put forward their views and participate in discussions, they should contact Joan Wilkins at Hartlepool council on 01429-523339.