A MAJOR £41 million operation to improve Southampton's streets has been launched.

Roads and shopping precincts are to be transformed in the council scheme to make the city a smarter, safer, and cleaner place.

New streetlights, enhanced signs, street nameplate replacement, and new pedestrian crossings and bus shelters are all part of the three-year scheme.

Litter bins, cycle stands and benches will also be replaced under the plans.

The first of four flagship areas to benefit from the programme is Aldermoor Road, where work has already started in making the improvements along the busy route.

New pavements, bus stops and improved parking for the disabled are being introduced to the road, which runs through Lordshill and Aldermoor.

Events will also be launched in the Aldermoor area this summer, as the council will provide clean-up and maintenance campaigns to continue improvements to the area involving members of the community.

The other flagship face-lift schemes include Portswood High Street, and highway improvements to Romsey Road, Archers Road and Howards Road, which will start later this year.

A further 40 integrated transport schemes and 30 major road maintenance and improvement schemes are also planned for the coming year.

Lorraine Brown, executive director of environment for Southampton City Council, said: "The council recognises how important the local environment is to people.

"The condition and cleanliness of roads, pavements, street lighting, well maintained green spaces and the absence of graffiti are all key to the public.

"We need to have a street scene and local environment not only in the city centre, but across all parts of the city, to match the exciting future planned for Southampton."