FOR years, on these pages, I have questioned why tenants are not given trial tenancies when they are offered accommodation.

During a 12-month period, I argued, tenants should have to prove their suitability to live in the property and the community.

Strict adherence to the conditions of tenancy should be a must. No anti-social behaviour. House and garden to be kept tidy. Rent and council tax to be paid on time.

Tenants should be told at the outset that if they did not come up to scratch they would be warned. If these warnings were ignored, they would be evicted and removed from the housing list.

If all went well during the trial tenancy, then, and only then, would they be given secure tenancies.

Well the good news for all decent residents in Bolton is that Bolton Council/Bolton at Home are hoping to introduce Introductory Tenancies (IT) after consulting with various residents' groups. IT will work like this:

All new tenants will have to sign up on an IT.

If at any time during this 12-month period the tenant breaches the IT, the landlord can take court proceedings to get possession of the property.

The court cannot refuse possession if the right processes have been followed ie: (1) A written notice of intention to seek a court order, along with the reasons, has been issued;

(2) Notification of a right of appeal has been provided.

If a notice is issued in the first 12 months, then the IT can be extended a further six months

If no action is taken in the first 12 months, then the tenancy automatically becomes secure.

Bolton Council/Bolton at Home also want to upgrade the conditions of tenancy, but to do so they must consult all tenants.

As the old adage says: "Everything comes to those who wait', and we have certainly waited long enough for this!

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton