New app helps people navigate city in safety

The app offers a map of safe routes and spaces throughout a city

A free app that aims to keep people safe while walking and taking public transport is being rolled out across a city.

The WalkSafe app has gone live in Manchester and helps users to pick safe travel routes, sharing their location and alerting friends and family if they do not reach their destination.

The app, which also features a map of safe spaces in the city, has been backed by Manchester City Council.

WalkSafe co-founder Emma Kay said it was "an essential ally to let us all enjoy our lives and go where we want, when we want".

'Empower residents'

Ms Kay said WalkSafe was "ideal for students, commuters, runners and just about everyone".

Manchester City Council's deputy leader Joanna Midgley said "in an ideal world anyone should be able to go where they want, when they want".

"But until then, it is important we put measures in place to protect and empower our residents," she added.

Ms Midgely said the local authority was already trying to make sure the city was safe by working with venues in the nighttime economy and training staff.