Two bedsit landlords in Colchester have been prosecuted following a "get tough" campaign by the borough council.

Two landlords were taken to court for failing to meet requirements laid down by Colchester Council.

In the first a Colchester woman admitted failing to register two houses containing bedsits. She was fined £250 for each offence by Colchester magistrates.

Colchester Council's private sector team leader Tim Visick said: "Houses containing bedsits play an important role in providing inexpensive accommodation, but often to more vulnerable people.

"Because of our concern about the conditions in these houses, the council requires them to be registered to check on them."

The second prosecution involved a woman from West Mersea. She admitted failing to carry out a series of repairs and was fined £150.

Gary Telfer, the council's housing and community health manager, said: "Both these women should know what the responsibilities of a landlord are.

"Both failed to take action to safeguard their tenants. Generally we prefer to work with landlords, giving them advice and often grants to help them get their properties up to scratch.

"But if they do not want to co-operate we will not hesitate to take legal action. We take the safety of tenants very seriously."

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