A WORKER injured while installing a new bus shelter in Hapton is fighting for his life today after being struck by a car.

Officers said it is believed the driver of the Vauxhall Corsa Tracey Duxbury, 36, of Castle Street, Hapton, may have been dazzled by sun light and police said there is no suggestion that she was speeding.

The accident happened in Manchester Road near the junction with Linden Road at 10.10am yesterday.

Police said Michael Smith, who was 28 yesterday, is in a critical condition in Burnley General Hospital's intensive care unit with serious head and internal injuries.

Mr Smith, of South Normanton, Derbyshire, is employed by Macemain, a bus shelter supply company who were erecting shelters bought by Burnley Council.

He was working with a second man who was not injured in the incident.

Gordon Leighton, a senior engineer at Burnley Council, said: "The shelter was to replace one which had been knocked down by a vehicle from the Acewell gas company, now Alta Gas, about five or six months ago.

"Because the company changed its name it has taken some time to pursue them for the cost of the shelter and I also had to source a supplier for the new shelter.

"They had only just started constructing the new shelter and we have taken all the parts away and stored it in our Princess Way depot awaiting collection from the company when they sent a new gang up to carry out the work."

Hapton councillor Andrew Tatchell denied that Manchester Road was a problem area for accidents.

He said: "My initial reaction is that it is a one off accident. It is a long straight road with houses on one side set well back from the road.

"If there was something on the opposite side of the road it would be unexpected."