A six-year-old girl is still fighting for her life after an accident involving a bollard which locals say they had warned was unsafe.

Campaigners say civic chiefs must take all necessary action to prevent any repetition of the incident, which has shocked a New Forest town.

The girl suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck on the head by the damaged bollard that locals had previously warned was unsafe.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the accident happened at the bottom of Quay Hill in Lymington.

The bollard is said to have been damaged in an accident with a vehicle last month. Trader Peter Milford claims the collision was reported to Hampshire County Council but nothing was done.

Last night the town mayor, Cllr Michael White, pictured, said: “The county council must carry out a full review of the circumstances surrounding what happened.

“It was a dreadful incident and I can only hope the little girl recovers.”

Cllr White said he would instruct the town clerk, Caroline Godfrey, to liaise with the police, who have launched an investigation into the incident.

Cllr Alan Penson, chairman of the town council’s policy and resources committee, added: “There must be a thorough investigation into how the accident happened and what can be done to make sure that nothing like it ever occurs again.”

Quay Hill is a narrow, cobbled street that leads down to the waterfront.

People living and working in the partly-pedestrianised area have keys that can be used to unlock the bollard if they need to drive through.

But the bolt that normally keeps it upright is said to have been damaged in an accident with a vehicle several weeks ago.

The girl, who comes from Buckinghamshire and was visiting the town with her parents, was attempting to leapfrog the bollard when she brought it it down with her.

She was struck on the head and taken to Southampton General Hospital. County council workmen were on the scene yesterday and have removed the bollard. The authority says the circumstances surrounding the accidents are being investigated.

Lymington county councillor Jacqui England, who is said to have reported the damage to the authority, was unavailable for comment.