A POPULAR pensioner injured in a road accident after watching rugby at a Poole pub continues to fight for life in hospital.

John Fletcher was injured while crossing the road at a controversial gyratory system widely condemned by neighbours as “an accident waiting to happen”.

A Dorset Police spokesman told the Daily Echo yesterday the 77-year-old remained in critical condition at Southampton General Hospital.

Angry residents, including West Street neighbour Fiona Julian, believe it is vital the council now acts to improve safety at the junction.

She said: “It was a huge shock on Saturday evening. As soon as the police knocked on my door I said: ‘It wasn’t one of the old boys from the pub?’ That was my first though because they all cross the road there.

“When I moved in John helped me carry some of my paintings. He’s a real character. I really hope he pulls through.”

Another neighbour, Caroline Sharp, has started an online Facebook group calling for a pedestrian crossing. Staff at The Queen Mary pub rushed to help John after the collision on Saturday night.

The pensioner was in a collision with a car as he crossed West Street, which makes up part of the new £930,000 traffic system created ahead of the Twin Sails Bridge opening.

An independent review of the gyratory scheme was carried out in August and a public meeting is scheduled for sometime in November. Poole transportation head Julian McLaughlin said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Fletcher and his family at this time.”

Police urge eyewitnesses to contact them on 101.