An Ormskirk councillor is calling on local landlords to attend the launch of a new landlord accreditation scheme, claiming it will give them 'a competitive edge'.

Cllr Adrian Owens told QLocal: “There are many residential landlords in my Derby ward, most of them housing students from Edge Hill.

"I know there's a wide variation in the quality of the accommodation, and up until now there's has been nothing to distinguish the better accommodation.

"The new landlord accreditation scheme changes that.”

He explained that he's been a member of the team that had planned the new scheme which involves the Borough Council, Residential Landlords’ Association and Edge Hill Students Union. Tenants, landlords and other local residents should all benefit as the scheme becomes established, he added.

“Tenants will have extra assurance about their home while landlords will receive a number of benefits of scheme membership and have a competitive edge over others.

"The standards required for scheme membership will also help to gradually improve amenity for other local residents,” Owens concluded.

The scheme's open to all landlords with properties in West Lancashire. An event is being held on Tuesday 28 February at The Hub, Edge Hill University. The event will run from 2pm until 5pm; for further information call 07779 074816