AN ex-ambulanceman has warned a dangerous crossroads is an 'accident waiting to happen'.

Thomas Griffiths, 62, uses the junction of The Green, Doctors Lane and Lawrences Lane, Eccleston, every day.

But Mr Griffiths, who served for Lancashire's and Merseyside's Ambulance Service until he retired in 1994, fears a serious accident is inevitable because of the design of the junction.

Last month an 11-year-old girl was knocked down close to the junction and residents complained to Lancashire County Council that the extended kerbs were to blame.

The council says that early indications from an on-going investigation are that the kerbs were not to blame, but Mr Griffiths insists the road is dangerous and needs a design re-think.

Mr Griffiths, of Larkfield Lane, Eccleston, said: "It's an extremely dangerous junction. Traffic cannot get out of Doctors Lane. At 9am in the morning there's a lollipop lady and she has nearly been hit a few times.

"There have been a few minor bumps, but one day there is going to be a serious accident. As an ambulanceman I've been to many accidents so I know what I'm talking about."

A county council spokesman said: "If any residents have concerns about the safety of particular roads the first thing they need to do is get in touch with us.

"Early indications suggest the kerb extensions aren't to blame. The full investigation results will be known soon."

The dangers of the large amount of traffic in Eccleston is also being monitored by the local primary school.

John McCloskey, headteacher of Eccleston Primary, said: "It's always been congested on Doctors Lane. As traffic increase on roads it becomes more of a problem. We try to promote using the car as little as possible."