WELFARE officers and security staff are patrolling at Pokesdown station following a spate of deaths on the railway.

Network Rail has introduced Land Sheriffs and Trespass and Welfare Officers to provide a round-the clock service in a bid to save lives.,

The move has been welcomed by the Samaritans and by members of the community.

Mark Wildey, branch director of Samaritans in Bournemouth, said: "We hope this is part of a long-term commitment to make the area safe.

"We’ve been down there a few times and have seen the station manned by either Land Sheriffs or Trespass and Welfare Officers. We have spoken to them and we are trying to build a good working relationship with them."

He said the intention is for all Network Rail staff to be trained by the Samaritans in dealing with and managing potentially vulnerable people. Nationally more than 20,000 people have received the training so far.

He added: "Having been down to there with one of my colleagues as part of an assessment of the station, if there is no one there looking out for people, it can be a very lonely place.

"Having people there looking out for others is great to see. I do believe that they have already intervened so having that presence at the station can only be a good thing."

Land Sheriffs have been working with Network Rail for 12 years and carry out a number of different roles including lifesaving work. They are part of a dedicated professional security task force.

According to signs put up on the station platforms, the Land Sheriffs use "covert devices and thermal imaging cameras" and a mixture of "high-tech security monitoring through CCTV and trackside patrols".

Trespass and Welfare Officers keep an eye out for pedestrians who have failed to pay or those in a vulnerable situation, having received training from the Samaritans.

Local residents have taken to social media to praise the initiative.

One said: "Finally they have security at Pokesdown station. Sadly too many lives went before but hopefully this is a positive solution."

Recent deaths in Pokesdown have included a 16-year-old schoolgirl who died in March, a 27-year-old man who died in June and a man in his 60s who died in July.

Anyone affected by the story can contact Samaritans free of charge, 24-hours-a-day on 116 123.