THE voluntary Landlord Registration and Property Accreditation scheme run by Hartlepool Citizens Advice Bureau has reached another landmark with the first registration certificates being issued to private landlords.

The town's mayor, Stuart Drummond, presented the certificates to landlords at a ceremony yesterday.

The scheme, funded by the Hartlepool New Deal for Communities Partnership (NDC), was launched in August.

It aims to improve the management of private sector housing in the town by working with landlords and by providing them with advice and information on their duties and responsibilities.

It also provides guidance on bringing their properties up to standard.

Staff involved in the scheme have been developing the project by contacting a number of private landlords.

The scheme has developed a code of standard which landlords will have to agree to as a condition of registration.

Staff plan to arrange regular landlords' forums, which will give them the opportunity to meet staff from the project and receive information.