Watch scheme for main line station

A SCHEME to promote safety at a main line station in North Yorkshire will be showcased today.

Officers from British Transport Police, representatives from Samaritans and members of the local community will unveil a plaque to promote a Station Watch scheme at Northallerton station.

The initiative, similar to Neighbourhood Watch, has been put in place following an increase in fatalities at the station.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Patrols have been stepped up and monthly meetings are held with local people in offices of the Samaritans charity.

Members include residents who overlook the station and rail lines in the area. They act as the eyes and ears of the railway and report anything that concerns them to police.

Samaritans are actively involved and have already hosted an awareness workshop covering the signs and behaviour people could display when feeling suicidal.

Volunteers from Samaritans have also been accompanying British Transport Police officers on high-profile patrols at the station and handing out information cards.

The station is already covered by CCTV.