TENANTS could be trained to carry out repairs on their council homes under proposals revealed by a local authority.

Middlesbrough Borough Council's housing scrutiny panel will discuss ways to deal with council house and garden repairs at a meeting next week.

The council already runs a tool hire scheme based in Stewart Park, where tenants can borrow DIY hand tools, and there are also estate caretakers to deal with reported repairs.

All the council's tenants sign an agreement to ensure they keep their gardens tidy, and checks are made every eight weeks with warning letters sent to those who do not keep to a certain standard.

Among the suggestions to be considered by the scrutiny panel is an expansion of the tenancy agreement to include a responsibility for minor repairs, and making it a breach of tenancy if someone fails to complete work.

Other proposals include training those who do not have the skills to do minor repairs in their homes such as fitting tap washers and replacing door handles.

In a report to the scrutiny panel, officer Val Taylor said: "The appearance of an estate can have a marked impact on the quality of life and an influence on resident satisfaction as well as the lettability of housing schemes.

"Although taking care of the estate is primarily the landlord's responsibility, residents also have their part to play in ensuring the estate is kept at its best, and they have certain responsibilities under the tenancy agreements to take care of their home and estate."

To encourage more tenants to care for their homes, Middlesbrough council will consider widening the tool hire scheme so it is available in all housing offices.

Ms Taylor said: "Another area for consideration would be tenant involvement in deciding the level of responsibility for minor repairs and garden maintenance, and what help or training they think they need to enable them to carry out these tasks.

"This could be done involving the tenants and citizens' panels."

All the proposals will be discussed at the meeting on Wednesday and any recommendations will be forwarded to the cabinet for a decision.