BUS chiefs say they have confidence in the safety of their bus shelters following an incident in which a pensioner was struck by flying debris.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive blamed last week's windy weather for the accident that saw Keith Atherton hit on the head by part of the roof blown from a shelter.

A GMPTE spokesman said: "This was an isolated and highly unusual incident brought about by extreme weather conditions. We remain confident in the overall safety of our bus shelters."

As reported in the Bolton Evening News, the dazed 63-year-old, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital following the incident on Great Moor Street. A GMPTE spokesman said: "Contractors JCDecaux were in touch with Mr Atherton's family the day after the incident to enquire about his health."

More than 3,600 bus shelters in Greater Manchester are regularly maintained under contract by JCDecaux.