VOLUNTEERS from the Samaritans are providing support at Pokesdown railway station following the latest in a series of deaths on the tracks.

The charity has a presence at the station every evening this week following a request from Network Rail.

And Network Rail's Land Sheriffs and Trespass and Welfare Officers will also be on duty at Pokesdown and other stations "for the foreseeable future."

A spokesman told the Daily Echo: "We are using specialist teams across the Wessex route to reduce incidents which can cause delays on the railway and to bring better, more reliable services for our passengers. A team will be based at Pokesdown for Boscombe station during the railway’s operational hours for the foreseeable future."

Several people have died on the line in recent months and initial inquiries have revealed there are no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement in the deaths.

Earlier this week Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood described the station as "grim" and called for urgent action.

He urged Network Rail and South West Trains to do everything they can "to understand why this keeps happening at this particular station."

And he added: "Every single case is clearly a tragedy."

Mr Ellwood said Transport Minister George Freeman will be visiting Bournemouth in the near future and he hopes to take him to Pokesdown station to highlight its problems.

Football fans are frequent users of the station because of its proximity to the Vitality Stadium and Mr Ellwood said he has also been discussing ways to improve its appearance with representatives from AFC Bournemouth.

But, despite the success of the talks, he said it has been difficult to get past "red tape" to implement the measures.

Land Sheriffs carry out a number of different roles for Network Rail, including lifesaving work, and have been working with Network Rail for 12 years.

They monitor CCTV, use thermal imaging cameras and carry out trackside patrols.

Trespass and Welfare Officers keep an eye out for people in a vulnerable situation.

Samaritans can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.