ACCIDENT victim Ellie Carter today pleaded for Weymouth's harbourside rail line to be scrapped.

Ellie, 17, who broke her leg after her scooter slipped on the rails, says she fear someone could soon be killed.

The youngster, who is still walking with crutches 10 months after the accident, says she is staggered by the results of the Dorset Echo's track poll which came out overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the historic line.

The Echo launched the poll following discussions over the future of the line.

Following the two-week consultation the final total was 1,087 votes for keeping the line open and 366 votes for scrapping it.

More talks are expected soon between borough council officials and Railtrack and in January a report will be presented to the council's environment committee and the line's future will be decided.

Ellie, of Springfield Road, Weymouth, was on her way to work at the Deep Sea Adventure on the harbourside when she fell from her 50cc Piaggio motor scooter on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 6.

She said: "I was just turning into Custom House Quay. It was raining but I wasn't going fast. As I crossed the line my wheels slipped on the line and I skidded. I couldn't control the steering and the front wheel hit a pothole by the side of the rail and I was thrown off onto the road.

"It was really frightening but luckily some people came to help me."

Ellie broke her left leg below the kneecap in the fall. Her leg was in plaster for eight weeks and she underwent a course of physiotherapy.

Ellie, who is in her first year at Weymouth College, was back in hospital again this week to have a piece of bone removed. She will have to walk with crutches for a further two weeks and undergo more physiotherapy.

She said: "I can see why people want the lines to stay but if they are not being used I see no legitimate reason for keeping them. In their current state they are a danger to road users and a potential death trap.

"I was amazed at the Echo poll result. When I tell people about my accident they tell me they know someone who has done the same thing."

She added: "When I get on my bike again I think I will be too frightened to go over a bump in the road.

"I will feel safe when the lines are pulled up or covered over."