A PENSIONER who was knocked over in a busy town centre by a skateboarder is calling for action to make lives safer for pedestrians.

Derek Rose, 79, was walking in Station Parade, Harrogate, with his wife Marie when he was involved in the accident.

A 14-year-old skateboarder was about to perform a flyer from the footpath on to the piazza in front of the Victoria Shopping Centre.

But as he did so the board struck the man, bowling him over into one of the busiest roads in town.

Mr Rose, who lives at Spofforth, between Harrogate and Wetherby, said: "I was very lucky there was no traffic coming at the time on what is such a busy road."

He was rescued from the carriageway by his wife who also detained the skateboarder.

Mr Rose who attended accident and emergency at Harrogate District Hospital suffered a badly bruised shoulder, but admits he was lucky to have escaped so lightly.

Mr Rose said the boy had twice apologised for what had happened.

Later, Mr Rose reported the incident to North Yorkshire Police but was told it was an accident and there was nothing they could do about it.

Harrogate has developed several hot spots for skate boarders, one of them on the corner of Station Parade with Victoria Avenue. Others have been highlighted around the war memorial and in James Street, as well as the steps of the council offices in Crescent Gardens.

Mr Rose said: "I think we need some action - probably from some of our new community officers to clear the streets of this problem for pedestrians throughout the district."

A Harrogate Borough Council official said: "This is a very unfortunate accident and the council is glad that Mr Rose was not seriously injured. We do have a few incidents of skateboarders using the streets and street furniture. If anyone witnesses this happening, they should telephone the police who will deal with the incident."