A "DANGEROUS" junction had to be closed off after a car and a van crashed.

Police, the fire service and paramedics attended Lever Street at the junction of Fletcher Street at 1.06pm today.

A Ford Fiesta Titanium and a white Ford Transit were involved, with the latter ending up off the road and nestled in a hedge on the edge of a car park.

The man driving the car had to be taken to hospital, and was lying on the ground when firefighters arrived.

They administered first aid and gave him oxygen while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

The man was lifted to a standing position before being taken to hospital by ambulance.

Both people in the van managed to get out, with a woman complaining of chest and neck pain before being taken to hospital.

Smoke was billowing from the bonnet of the vehicle when police arrived on scene.

Police closed the road while investigations are carried out.

Residents last month told The Bolton News how they would like traffic lights and double yellow lines installed after a spate of accidents.

They are petitioning Bolton Council to improve safety at the junction, with the situation exacerbated, according to residents, by APNA Superstore in Fletcher Street accepting deliveries from lorries pulled up on the road.

Tracey Earp, who lives close to the crash site, said: "There has been yet another serious crash at the junction.

"I have been forced onto the pavement because this lorry was parked and a bus came round it and was driving at me.

"We get dozens of buses along here every day and it is dangerous.

"Lots of people drive too fast along here as well, and there is nothing at the bend to slow them down."

John Hales, crew manager at Bolton Central fire station, said: "We administered oxygen therapy and first aid until paramedics arrived and made the area safe and closed the road."