Calls are being made for a forum to be set up in Glasgow to tackle issues with the private rented housing.

The Scottish Association of Landlords believes setting up a forum would bring communities together to deal with problems involving tenants and landlords.

The move came after a mass meeting in Cardonald last month.

Hundreds of people attended the event organised by South Cardonald and Crookston Community Council.

Residents told how their lives have been made a misery by rogue landlords and how they have begun to fight back in south-west Glasgow.

The Cardonald and Hillington areas have seen streets blighted by run-down eyesore properties, with locals saying landlords ignore pleas for help.

Now the landlords' association believes a forum should be set up to bring different sections of the community together.

John Blackwood, director of the Scottish Association of Landlords, said: "There are many issues surrounding this, not only from tenants but landlords who look after their properties.

"There are those who don't even sign up for the Landlord Registration scheme.

"With so many people turning up to a recent meeting there is clearly an interest from the local communities to tackle issues of concern.

"We would like to see a forum set up in Glasgow.

"Already there are forums working well in other local authority areas in the west of Scotland. Why not Glasgow?"

Glasgow landlord Anne Halsey, who is involved with the association, said she would support any move for a forum.

She said: "I think a landlords' forum would work well in Glasgow and any recognised communication can help landlords increase their awareness of responsibility."

It is hoped new laws will toughen up the landlord registration scheme and existing rules on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to give better protection for tenants.

Under the Private Rented Housing Bill, fines of £50,000 can be handed out to landlords if they breach rules. They can be also be barred from being landlords for five years.

Local councillor Alistair Watson, who supports the fightback against rogue landlords, said: "Since the meeting, some landlords who operate responsibly have been in touch and want to clean up their own back yards.

"They don't want to see their industry being dragged down by those who are unscrupulous."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said the idea "requires careful consideration".