ARDROSSAN’S star of Channel 4’s ‘Four In A Bed’ reality TV show has been struck off the council’s Landlord Register for failing to deal with anti-social tenants.

Hugh Begbie – made famous by the TV show for the rusty pole outside his guest house in Parkhouse Road – was found by the council’s Licensing Committee of failing to sort out a problem tenant in Stevenston who was convicted of growing cannabis in his property and inflicted anti-social behaviour on neighbours.

Ex-copper Begbie has a string of properties in Stevenston and Ardrossan as well as being proprietor of the Edenmore Guest House.

The licensing committee said he ignored letters from the council and dismissed complains from the rogue tenants’ neighbours.

He was also found to be in breach of his legal duty to perform an annual gas safety inspection at one of his properties.

A council inspector also found that the hot water supply, electrics and windows in the property were below legal standards.

Follwing a visit by North Ayrshire Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team (ASBIT) to the problem property in Stevenston, Begbie told them he would consider evicting the tenant.

But he failed to serve a legal notice which is needed before starting a Sheriff Court eviction – a month after telling the committee on August 6 he would take steps to have the tenant removed.

As well as removing Begbie from the register, the committee also issued a Rent Penalty Notice so that no rent can be charged for the house and he will not receive any Housing Benefits claimed by tenants.

If he tries to advertise for new tenants, for this or any other house, he could now face prosecution and a fine of £50,000.

Councillor Ronnie McNicol, who chairs the Licensing Meeting, said: “Removing this landlord from the register proves North Ayrshire Council cares about their communities.

“For too long anti-social behaviour has been a blight on our neighbourhoods.

“It’s not only the tenants.

"Action needs to be taken against the people, namely the landlords, who consistently fail to deal with their responsibilities.

“By banning this landlord, we are sending out a clear message that we won’t tolerate this.

“If you don’t with deal your anti-social tenants then be prepared to face the consequences.” Mr Begbie could not be contacted for comment before we went to press.