NEW calls were made today to tear up Weymouth’s historic harbourside railway line.

Motorcyclist Becky Leeming blames the rails, known as the tramway, for an accident in which she was thrown from her bike in Commercial Road.

She believes the redundant line should be scrapped as it poses a danger to road users.

The line was laid to serve Weymouth Quay but regular services stopped in the 1980s.

Since then it has been used occasionally by special trains carrying enthusiasts.

The last one was several years ago.

Some believe the line has a future and should be included in integrated transport plans while others appreciate it for its heritage value – reflected in a 2001 Dorset Echo reader poll when people said they would like the tracks to stay.

However, it remains the bane of cyclists and bikers.

The tramway is part of the national rail network until it is closed, a lengthy operation requiring a public inquiry and government intervention.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council entered into negotiations with Network Rail to buy the lines so it could close them but the deal never went through.

Becky, 23, who lives in the Park District, was on her way to work at Debenhams where she is employed as a supervisor when the accident happened as she turned into the harbourside car park.

She said: “I was careful going over the tracks because it had been raining and I’ve seen enough people come off before.

“As my wheels went over they locked into the rails. It was really scary. There wasn’t anything I could’ve done to prevent it.

“My bike started wobbling and I had no control so I let go and was thrown over the handlebars into the road.”

Becky escaped with bruises but an ambulance crew was called as a precaution. Motorists and passers-by stopped to offer assistance.

Becky said: “Although I was not seriously hurt it could have been a lot worse, especially if there was more traffic about.

“The accident has affected my confidence and I haven’t ridden since.

“Something has to be be done about the lines. They’re not being used so let’s get rid of them.

“How many more accidents does it take before something is done?”

Dorset County Council which has responsibility for highways said the line is the responsibility of Network Rail.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “A number of options have been discussed with various parties about the future of the line.

“None of these options are being progressed further at this stage and therefore the line will remain as it is for the foreseeable future.

“Any decision to take forward any of the options would likely be subject to consultation.”