A 77-YEAR-OLD is fighting for his life in hospital after being injured as he crossed the road.
John Fletcher had been watching rugby at the Queen Mary pub in Poole and was making his way across West Street in the old town area.
Landlord Mick Fitzpatrick rushed outside to help after hearing the collision.
He is now calling for a crossing to be put in, saying it was “an accident waiting to happen”.
An off-duty police officer was first to help the pensioner before paramedics arrived.
Mick said: “I was upstairs when I heard it and when I went outside John was lying on the floor.
“He had blood coming from his head and a broken leg and the off-duty policeman looked like he was putting him in the recovery position.
“The paramedics put a brace on his neck.”
West Street was closed for several hours after the incident at the junction with New Orchard on Saturday evening.
Investigators examined the scene and spoke to the driver of the car involved before the road was opened after midnight.
Mr Fletcher suffered life threatening injuries and after being taken to Poole was then transferred to Southampton hospital in a critical condition.
The junction was changed last year as part of preparations for the opening of Poole’s new Twin Sails Bridge and locals are angry that a pedestrian crossing was not put in.
“I’ve had a discussion with John about how they should have a crossing,” Mick added.
He added: “I knew an accident was going to happen and it would take someone getting knocked down or killed for them to actually do something.
“Another of my locals is sometimes too scared to cross.”
Sarah Cullen, barmaid at the pub, said Mr Fletcher is a former council architect who made all new visitors to the pub welcome.
“He’s an absolutely lovely man,” she said.
“He would have had two pints watching the rugby.”
Mr Fletcher’s wife Sue called the pub later from their Market Street home and was told of the news.
Lee Wilson, 44, who lives on West Street, also called for a pedestrian crossing.
“I came back on Saturday and the road was shut off,” he said.
“John’s one of those guys who would do anything for anyone and talk to anyone.
“I hope he’s OK.”
A Dorset Police spokesman said the 77-year-old man was struck by a green Ford Focus being driven by a 47-year-old man from Poole.
There no were no arrests at the scene.
Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police on 101.
