A fresh appeal has been issued to landlords and holiday home owners in Cornwall urging them to consider joining a scheme to let their properties to council tenants.

The private sector leasing scheme is operated by four councils in Cornwall and is aimed at tackling the continuing housing shortage in the county.

There are around 250 families on the waiting list for council housing throughout Cornwall, and many are being housed in bed and breakfast accommodation.

At present there are 150 properties let through the scheme.

Condition guaranteed

Glen Corcoran, property manager of IPM, the firm behind the scheme, said: "The idea is to encourage people to let their properties be used to house council tenants.

"It's important to try and overcome people's perceptions about letting their properties in this way.

"Councils guarantee the rent from day one, even if there are no tenants in the property, and will also give guarantees about the condition of the property," he said.

Anyone interested in letting their property can contact IPM on 0781-505-8891.