A MAJOR road collision involving two vans has left a man in 'critical condition' after being airlifted to hospital.

The incident, which happened on the A590 at Roam Wood, Bouth turn off, at around 9.50am yesterday morning led to the closure of the road linking Greenodd and Haverthwaite.

North West Air Ambulance, Cumbrian Fire Rescue and Cumbria police were all in attendance when a male was flown by helicopter to Royal Preston hospital.

Barrow Station Manager, Roger Exley, said: "A male was extricated from a vehicle which had gone off the road by firefighters and North West Ambulance Service paramedics.

"He was then air lifted to hospital by air ambulance."

A spokeswoman from the North West Ambulance Service said:

"We were alerted at 9.54 yesterday morning and attending with the air ambulance and land ambulance.

"The patient was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital following major trauma injuries.

"He was in critical condition."'

Highways England said there were delays of at least 15 minutes covering several miles of the road.

A diversion was put in place, directing motorists to exit the A590 and travel north on the A592 towards Windermere and turn left to join the A591 towards the A593 Ambleside.

Motorists were held up in two miles of congestion as the incident was cleared.

A Highways spokesperson said: "This closure is due to a road traffic collision with subsequent vehicle fire."

Ulverston Town Councillor, Andrew Butcher, said better measures should be in place for diversions on the A590.

He said: "We have a serious issue with the A590.

"When accidents take place, motorists are forced to use back roads which become very congested.

"We need to take better control of the A590.

"We need to be able to keep that area of land moving without forcing drivers to use the backroads.

"It turns to absolute bedlam when the main road is out of use."