LIVERPOOL’S business district is to get a £4m facelift – which could include efforts to restrict traffic on the key Dale Street corridor.

Dale Street will definitely be reduced from three to two lanes as part of a revamp that will also see Old Hall Street and Exchange Flags upgraded.

In 2008, a council study found that traffic could be removed from the Hatton Garden approach which starts at the Queensway Tunnel entrance roundabout to "achieve a better balance of movement".

But deputy council leader Flo Clucas said there would be public consultation before any changes were made to traffic flows on Dale Street.

The other main approach to Dale Street, via the Churchill Way flyover, could also be affected with cars being banned.

Regeneration chief, Cllr Peter Millea, said: "As far as I’m concerned, that’s what’s happening. If people have got a different view, that’s up to them.

"I think the leader and deputy leader want to review it. I want to promote bus priority measures to get people to use public transport to get people coming into the centre and deal with issues of pollution, air quality and sensible use of motor vehicles."

He said cars would still have access into the heart of the city but it was essential to improve pedestrian safety on the busy thoroughfare.

However, there appeared to be a difference of opinion in the council’s ruling executive board over the flyover.

Cllr Clucas insisted she was not aware of any plans to "either demolish it [the flyover] or restrict access".

She added: "Anything to do with traffic flows down Dale Street will be down to further public consultation.

"At the moment, as far as I am aware, there are no plans as far as I know to either demolish it [the flyover] or restrict access."

A rolling programme of public realm works will start in Old Hall Street in February, followed by Dale Street in March, and Exchange Flags in April.

Work on all areas should be complete by the end of the year.

Much of Old Hall Street is already paved in high-quality materials, but where the pavement is poor improvements will be made.

New trees will be planted and the junctions at Union Street and Brook Street will get better pedestrian crossings.

Unnecessary signs will be removed from both Old Hall Street and Dale Street to create a "de- cluttered environment".

In Dale Street, the emphasis will be on creating a "pedestrian- friendly" street and improve the poor quality pavements.

Existing building-mounted lights along Dale Street will also be upgraded.