ROADS bosses at the local authority have denied that new paving in Selkirk town centre is dangerous during winter mornings.

Last Friday there were reports of several people taking tumbles on the sandstone slabs which were laid during the town centre refurbishment.

And a local butcher even had to an answer the SOS with a few bags of salt to prevent any further slips.

Selkirkshire councillor Caroline Penman said: "There were a few complaints on the morning of the first frost about how slippy the pedestrian areas were.

"I have assurances from Scottish Borders Council that they will treat the area as a priority for gritting."

Several community councillors in the town has also raised concerns about the condition of the new paving areas.

Ian King said: "There are areas where water gathers which will obviously freeze in the cold weather."

And fellow councillor Jim Stillie added: "Some of the paving is already showing wear around the Courthouse Coffee Shop.

"It's not been down very long which would suggest it's defective."

Freezing temperatures on Friday morning led to at least three people slipping in the Market Square.

Harry Marsden from nearby Taylor's Butchers salted the worst areas.

We contacted Scottish Borders Council this week about the new paving, but bosses believe the slip resistance surface should prevent any falls.

A spokesperson said: “The sandstone used for the pavements in the new Market Square has a slip resistance which is appropriate for its use in this location.

"The sandstone used is good quality and was tested before use.

"The Market Square is part of the primary footway gritting routes in Selkirk and is treated when severe weather conditions are forecast.”