ONE of Middlesbrough's mayoral candidates is calling for urgent safety checks on a set of newly-laid decorative tiles in the town centre.

Middlesbrough Council is facing lawsuits from two women who claim to have slipped and injured themselves on the ceramic blue tiles on Linthorpe Road and Corporation Road East.

Now Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Joe Michna is threatening to remove the tiles if he makes it into office on May 2. He said: "I am asking the technical officers to carry out a very quick investigation into the safety of the tiles.

"As a potential mayor I would have them removed if there was any hint of a danger there."

The tiles - dubbed the thin blue line - form part of a town centre revamp by the council.

But there have been constant complaints about their slippery surface in wet weather since they were first laid a few months ago.

On January 16, pregnant Kerry-Ann Shanks, 24, claims to have slipped on one, injuring her neck and back and leaving her unable to work or look after her two small children.

The next day another single mum - who did not wish to be named - allegedly slipped, hurting her arm and neck.

Solicitor David Parker, of Eurolawline, is representing both women. He said: "We've been approached by a number of members of the public about this issue.

"The risk assessments we have carried out reveal that the tiles are inherently dangerous and both women plan to sue.

"While all this is going on, the council's contractors continue to put these tiles down. It's highly irresponsible."

Councillor Michna said he carried out his own rudimentary test on the tiles yesterday morning when there was heavy rain.

"It's very slippery and there certainly isn't the grip you would have on a normal path. For an elderly person I think there's a potential problem.

"I want the public of Middlesbrough to be told that they are either safe or they are not," he said

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman confirmed that new tiles were still being laid, but said safety issues were being investigated.