The area around the Alhambra is one of Bradford's success stories. The West End, as it has become known, hasn't taken shape in the grand form that was at first envisaged. That scheme, it soon became clear, was over-ambitious.

But over the years the pieces have come into place bit by bit as bars, clubs and restaurants have opened around the theatre and the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

The West End is now a very popular leisure zone with Bradford people and is attracting an increasing number of visitors. That trend will surely increase as more attractions open in the years to come.

However, if the most is to be made of the area's potential it isn't enough to have lots of places for people to visit. They need to feel as comfortable and safe as possible when they are there.

To that end, the scheme to improve the general environment of the West End is to be welcomed. The planned measures make a lot of sense. The resurfacing and widening of footpaths and the addition of benches and litter bins should enhance the appearance of the streets and paved areas and the improved street lighting will encourage public confidence in the winter months.

But perhaps the most helpful measures will be those involving traffic, particularly pedestrianisation and the improved parking arrangements for coaches, taxis and holders of disabled parking permits.

People need to be able to drive (or be driven) as close to their destination as possible, but once there they should be able to walk between the theatre and bars without having to look over their shoulders for cars.