TOWN Hall highways chiefs claim pedestrians are their priority.

They say both cash and thought are being ploughed into making sure that the city centre and residential areas are walker-friendly.

The authority’s 2001/02 local transport capital programme lists pedestrians, cyclists and speeding motorists as its focus.

And planning and transport executive member Coun Val Stevens says their aim is to encourage people to walk and cycle. "Included in the new approach to traffic and transport management are innovative schemes designed to improve pedestrian routes in the city centre, Fallowfield and Newton Heath," she said.

"The new strategy is designed to take account of the many and varied needs of the residents, workers and visitors to the city."

She added that 20mph speed zones had also been introduced in some residential parts of Harpurhey and Benchill.

Earlier this month, the government gave Manchester an £8m grant for a city-wide resurfacing programme.

The money will come over two years and a council spokeswoman said a third of the cash would be used to improve minor roads and footways.

"On top of that money, £3.8m has been given for capital improvements like street lighting, pedestrian crossings and traffic calming.

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