THE husband of a policewoman critically injured when her patrol car slid on Weymouth's harbourside railway tracks today called for the line to be scrapped.

In an emotional appeal, Vernon Palmer said he does not want anyone to go through the pain he and his family have experienced following the accident which left wife Alison with brain damage.

As readers continue to flood our offices with their returned coupons for the Dorset Echo poll on the quayside line, Mr Palmer, 47, today dismissed the nostalgic value of the tracks and pleaded for the railway to be pulled up.

Mrs Palmer, who is the mother of 15-year-old triplets, Lyndsey, Matthew and James, was left disabled after the crash in the early hours of February 17, 1989.

She was responding to an incident when the patrol car she was driving slid on the wet railway lines in Commercial Road and collided with a wall.

Mrs Palmer, 43, was in a coma for more than seven weeks but made a remarkable recovery at Weymouth and District Hospital. However, the diffuse brain injury affects her balance and she still uses a wheelchair.

Police officer Mr Palmer said: "We see the consequences of the railway lines every day and I would ask those who advocate the lines to consider how many other families will find themselves in our position if the lines are allowed to stay.

"Some people who know Alison are among those saying there was not a serious problem with the lines in the past. Perhaps they would like to tell Alison to her face that what she and the family went through is not a serious problem."

Mr Palmer added: "People are surprised I did not react sooner after the Echo highlighted the issue. I think people should be told that it is not all sweetness and light surrounding the railway tracks, there is another side to the story and that is that they cause numerous accidents and they nearly killed Alison.

"Not only should they be removed but I think they should be made into a monument to those who have suffered by them, whether on foot, on bicycle, on motorbike or by car."

Mr Palmer said the family, who live in Weymouth, had received tremendous support from colleagues and friends since the accident.

He said: "The accident has changed our lives. Alison is doing very well considering. We've crossed many bridges and the children have been strong for us. Alison still receives treatment now but we know things will never be the same.

"There's no doubt the railway lines were responsible for Alison's accident. They have to go now before they cause any more damage."