CALLS to set up a legalised red light district in a North-East town are being made by a man seeking to become mayor.

Liberal Democrat Joe Michna's proposal for a tolerance zone as a commonsense way of controlling Middlesbrough's sex trade has put the issue of prostitution firmly on the mayoral agenda.

Conservative candidate Ron Darby also backs the idea of a monitored red light area, away from houses, as does another contender in the race, independent Rod Jones.

Former detective superintendent Ray Mallon said all options to deal with the issue should be considered.

Councillor Michna said: "If we had such a zone, it would allow the police to monitor the area, while keeping the trade away from residential areas.

"Middlesbrough, whether we like it or not, has become a sub-regional centre for prostitution. We need to start focusing our attention on how we can best monitor and control the trade."

The idea of a tolerance zone was originally mooted by Police Superintendent John Tough, in 1998.

He and John Richardson, environment director with Middlesbrough Council, paid a fact-finding visit to Edinburgh's legalised red light zone after Middlesbrough residents presented the council with a 1,000-signature petition, demanding action. But the idea was quietly dropped.

Socialist Alliance mayoral candidate Jeff Fowler wants to see the trade legalised and properly supervised.

Labour's hopeful for mayor, Councillor Sylvia Connolly, said an adequate drugs exit programme would be a solution, as many vice girls ply the streets to pay for their drug habit.