AN ELDERLY woman suffered serious head and shoulder injuries in a crash on a busy Boscombe road.

The 85-year-old pedestrian was crossing Palmerston Road outside Aldi when she was involved in a collision with a black Vauxhall Corsa today.

The car, registered to a man from Bournemouth, had been turning out of the store’s car park just before the crash.

Although the woman’s injuries were initially not thought to be life-threatening, police have now confirmed that she is in a "critical" condition at Poole General Hospital.

Palmerston Road was closed between the Crescent and BP Petrol station for more than an hour, although vehicles were allowed to leave the Aldi car park.

Pedestrians were also allowed to walk along the road.

Dorset Police officers were first called to the scene at 11.43am by ambulance crews, and the road remained closed eastbound until shortly before 2pm.

Boscombe councillor Chris Wakefield, pictured right, said proposals to create a ‘shared space’ environment in the town centre – which would involve altering the pavement, replacing the existing traffic signal-controlled crossing and reducing the traditional signs – could help prevent similar accidents in the future.

“Currently, that part of the road is under consultation for the shared space scheme,” he said.

“Lots of people, including the elderly, routinely cross the road from Aldi to the Royal Arcade. Under the scheme, a controlled crossing would go in along that road and it could make it safer for pedestrians.”

Passer-by Sarah Anderson, of Bournemouth, said she was upset to learn of the collision.

“It’s such a busy road, and there are a lot of pedestrians and cars using it,” she said.

“I hope the lady recovers soon.”