A scheme to make Bradford's thriving West End area of the city safer is expected to be under way within the next few months.

It will include the pedestrianisation of an area around the Alhambra Theatre and changes in systems to reduce the amount of traffic in the thriving pub and club scene next to the famous theatre.

New parking plans will also provide space for taxis, coaches and disabled people holding parking permits.

There will also be improved street lighting and paths will be improved to make the area safer and more secure and attractive.

Today, executive member for the environment Councillor Anne Hawksworth said: "The Alhambra is the jewel in Bradford's crown and tourism in the city is increasing. We want to build on this and encourage more visitors into the area.

"The Glydegate area is also thriving and we want people to continue to enjoy it, while boosting the city's economy."

Chairman of Bradford Inner City Licensing Association, Dean Lyons, said the licensees would welcome the scheme. "It is very good to hear that there will be less traffic and better facilities for taxis which people use a lot when they have visited the pubs and clubs," he said.

The improvements will include: a pedestrian zone around the Alhambra between Randall Well Street and Glydegate, with automatic bollards at each end - the bollards will be controlled through the Council's closed-circuit television system and access will be restricted to deliveries and disabled people holding permits; the existing one-way system between Randall Well Street and Glydgate around the Alhambra will be reversed; a short stretch of Great Horton Road will become one-way towards the Alhambra between its junction with Chester Street and the section of Randall Well Street (East) which runs past the Love Apple Cafe; and footpaths on Great Horton Road and Randell Well Street near the Alhambra will be re-surfaced and widened, and better lights, signs, benches and litter bins will be installed.