A YOUNGSTER was fighting for his life today after he was struck twice by cars as he tried to cross a killer by-pass.

Campaigners have been fighting for the controversial footpath which runs across the Edenfield by-pass where the 11-year-old boy was hit to be scrapped and replaced with a bridge.

A leading councillor today promised a full investigation after the youngster, who has not yet been named by police, was crossing the A682 Rawtenstall-Edenfield road at 6.40pm yesterday when he was struck by a Fiat Bravo and thrown into the path of a Rover 75.

He was taken to Fairfield Hospital, Bury, suffering from severe head injuries and then transferred to Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester, where his condition is described as "very serious".

Two pedestrians have been killed on the same stretch of dual carriageway leading to calls for safety work to be carried out.

Councillor Christopher Wadsworth, chairman of Rossendale's engineering and planning committee, said: "This is a tragic accident and we will certainly be looking into the circumstances in conjunction with the police and the Lancashire County Council.

"Lessons need to be learned. I will certainly look into the matter."

Police Inspect Stuart Coates said the boy lives in a local children's home and was not being named until all members of his family had been told of the accident.

He added: "We have grave concerns about his condition."

The Fiat was driven by Jill Aldred, 45, of Strathmore Close, Ramsbottom and the Rover 75 by Nicholas Antrobus, Hollinwood Drive, Rawtenstall.

Inspector Coates said the boy was crossing the north bound carriageway at the pedestrian crossing point and walking behind a friend.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact PC David Bishop at the Pennine Division road policing unit at Rawtenstall on 01706 237464.

In November, 1997, a 12-year-old pupil at Haslingden High School was killed trying to cross the stretch of road and three years before that a 33-year-old man was hit by a car as he was crossing the road. He died later from his injuries.

An environment group has suggested a possible safety solution to the bypass.

The Pennine Paths Protection Society proposed that four footpaths which cross the busy road could be amalgamated, funnelling pedestrians to one crossing point, preferably with a footbridge over the dual carriageway.