A Leicester City Council review has highlighted the need for a 'safety flag' scheme to encourage people on to the city's streets.

Earlier this year, a group of councillors began investigating ways to create a more family-friendly city centre.

Yesterday a report was presented to members of the authority's overview and scrutiny management board.

It revealed many people feel the city's landmarks are too isolated from each other and that Charles Street creates a "physical and psychological" barrier between Highcross shopping centre and the Cultural Quarter.

It also highlighted public concerns over anti-social behaviour and a general reluctance by women in particular to walk the streets after dark.

However, during the meeting, Councillor Paul Newcombe, culture and leisure task group leader, said it was unlikely any of the ideas would come to fruition any time soon. He said: "During the review the economy changed radically and the Government virtually ruled out significant major capital investment in the short term."

In evidence given to the task group, Supt Phil Whiteley said he hoped to achieve Purple Flag status for Leicester by next year.

The scheme was launched nationally in January and is already in place in nine areas, including Nottingham. It involves creating areas which are safe, with good transport links and which provide entertainment for all ages.

Having visited other city centres, Supt Whiteley said: "We have found that we do most of the things other forces do to make sure the city centre is safe and secure."

In the report, the city centre director, Sarah Harrison, and a representative from the Curve theatre highlighted the need to tackle "tumbleweed" time or 5.30pm to 9pm in Leicester.

Stella McCabe, of Curve, said: "This sense of isolation between a range of high-profile city centre attractions is at least in part a consequence of the sense of abandonment that falls on parts of the city centre after 5.30pm.

"In winter, the sense of tumbleweed time is exacerbated by the lack of effective lighting and a sense of concern about personal safety and security."

The report also recommended the city's Best Bar None scheme should include family-friendly categories and that Humberstone Gate's Big Screen should be utilised for child-friendly events.

The culture and leisure department will now consider the report.