Landlords have carried out over £5 million worth of improvements to their properties, following inspections by Liverpool City Council's Healthy Homes team.

The Healthy Homes programme aims to prevent ill health and injury because of poor housing conditions.

In the last five years environmental health officers from the team have carried out health and safety inspections at more than 4,000 properties leading to private landlords improving their premises.

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Work ranges from removing the causes of mould to eliminating life-threatening structural defects.

Councillor Ann O'Byrne, cabinet member for housing, said: "Reaching £5m of improvements is a milestone for Healthy Homes. It means that money has been spent in allowing tenants to live in healthier, warmer and safer homes.

"But it is also money which improves the local neighbourhoods and keeps up market values.

"That, however, is secondary to making sure people are housed in high standard properties – the effect of that on their wellbeing is incalculable."

(CD/MH)