THE BBC was in Stourbridge recently to join the ranks of Dudley's housing officers to search out bad landlords, tackle problem properties and come to the rescue of tenants in need.

Officers are being featured in three episodes in the new series of the popular daytime BBC One show ‘The Housing Enforcers’.

Presented by consumer champion Matt Allwright, the programme highlights housing issues across the country and it is the first time Dudley has been involved with the production.

The local cases, which include a flat in Lye with a hazardous route to get to the front door and an apartment where a tenant with health issues was faced with having to use a mould-covered bathroom, are featured in the 45-minute episodes.

Two episodes – numbers 3 and 4 – are already available to watch on BBC iPlayer while another is due to be aired on Tuesday (February 9).

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our housing and planning officers are involved in many cases where tenants are living in unhealthy and even dangerous conditions.

“There are regulations which we enforce to ensure that residents have the quality of homes that they are entitled to.

“This new BBC series shows some of the difficult situations that our staff find themselves in on a regular basis.

“It also helps to highlight how officers try to resolve issues for the benefit of the tenant and to help the landlord avoid any legal action.”

Series producers, Twofour, worked with the council to secure access to housing staff working in the borough, while Matt joined officers as they dealt with issues and showed the work they do to help both landlords and tenants.