A four-hour session is being held for them at the Boathouse business centre, 1 Harbour Square, Nene Parade (3-7pm), to enable them to find out more about the proposed scheme and comment on it.

It is the first of three events organised specifically for landlords as part of the 10-week public consultation that runs until May 8.

Two more will follow, also at the Boathouse. One, organised by the National Landlords Association, will be on April 14 (7pm), with another on April 21 (3pm to 7pm).

A series of other events are being held in the town to explain how the scheme would work and gather the general public’s views.

The scheme’s main aims are to improve housing conditions, drive out rogue landlords and put a stop to overcrowding and the exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers.

If implemented, it would cover seven wards - Clarkson, Kirkgate, Medworth, Octavia Hill, Peckover, Staithe and Waterlees Village – and would affect an estimated 2,400 properties.

All private sector landlords in the designated area would have to show they are “fit and proper” persons to hold a licence and comply with all normal standards, including having the necessary safety measures in place.

Licences would last for five years and cost £575 for a single household let and £750 for a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The consultation was launched on February 29.

· To have your say online, visit www.fenland.gov.uk/selectivelicensing. Paper copies of the survey form are being made available at the various events and in the Fenland @ your service shop in Wisbech