Slum landlords 'hit squad' backed

Mar 2 2010

A special hit squad could be set up to tackle slum landlords in part of Glasgow, a Scottish Government minister suggested.

Housing Minister Alex Neil put forward the idea after MSPs on Holyrood`s Public Petitions Committee heard about problems with infestations of cockroaches and bedbugs in the Govanhill area of the city.

Committee convener Frank McAveety, who is also the local MSP, told how rubbish built up in the area meant one resident had 14 rats in their back garden. Members of the committee have previously visited the area.