This is the type of fencing Network Rail has chosen for Dorchester's South rail station perimeter.

It will replace the chain link fence which has been in use since a brick wall collapsed at the back of the station where it links in with Alfred Road.

Town councillors and West Dorset MP Chris Loder have been campaigning for something better than the metal fencing which tends to trap litter behind it.

Town councillors say it has left the area looking untidy and has attracted rubbish which has not been cleared away – giving visitors a poor impression of the county town when they arrive by train.

Network Rail initially refused to make any changes but then also came under pressure from West Dorset MP, Chris Loder.

Town councillors were shown this week what the new proposed fencing looked like although have not been given any indication how tall it might be.

"It's much better than the chain link fence which is there now – but if it's ten feet tall it will be no good at all," said town planning committee chairman Cllr Robin Potter.

Cllr Molly Rennie also liked the proposed fencing which she said was more appropriate for the site although Cllr Stella Jones said that there now also needed to be proposals to look after the area and to explore whether part of the area could be planted out.

The meeting heard that this could involve the formation of a 'Friends of' group, similar to the team of volunteers at the west station, or by using the town council's own outdoor staff.

"If we don't put something in place whatever is there will be forgotten about and will soon look a mess again," said Cllr Jones.