AN OLYMPIC railway would be environmentally damaging and ruin efforts by groups working on their own green travel plans, it was claimed today.

A cycling campaigner from Weymouth has blasted the scheme as a 'pipe dream' and called on officials to block any requests for funding.

It comes before representatives from Jurassic Coast Railways (JCR) travel to London to try and secure backing from MPs, businesses and organisations including the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).

Ken Reed, who represents the Cyclists' Touring Club in Dorset, has questioned the viability of the project.

He believes work to enhance the Rodwell Trail walk and cycleway would be spoiled if the railway was progressed and suggests that sites of environmental interest would be damaged.

In a letter to South Dorset MP Jim Knight, Mr Reed said: "Not only are we opposed to this project but consider it inappropriate for any public money to be given to this company."

He added: "In order for this railway to be constructed at least three major bridges would be required together with approval by Natural England to damage several sites of importance.

"At the very least it would seriously affect Radipole Lake and make the Rodwell Trail almost unusable by my members."

Mr Reed said a bid had been made to the cycling charity Sustrans for money to build a bridge over Newstead Road and that work to enhance the trail would be featured in a television programme.

All this good work will be spoiled because funding could slip away if there was any suggestion the railway was viable, Mr Reed claimed.

Jim Knight said: "If it's possible, practically and logistically, to get a railway across to Portland then I think we should welcome it and work with it but there are some significant issues to be overcome."

Jurassic Coast Railways dismissed Mr Reed's comments and said the retention of the Rodwell Trail had always been a priority.

Spokesman Chris Phillimore said: "We have spent considerable time to date analysing the various options and identifying the scheme which would provide the best benefit to the community at the most cost effective price.

"We are promoting this project for the benefit of the local community, to reduce levels of road congestion and pollution experienced every day by residents and to improve the general economic climate of the area."