A POLICE station on the Isle of Wight is set to reopen to the public for the first time in almost a decade.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, will officially open Ryde Police Station today (Friday, October 25).

The reopening of Ryde Police Station to the public is part of PCC Jones' commitment to reopen ten more police stations and front counters across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, in a bid to "drive up police visibility and bring officers closer to communities".

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Police have continued to operate from Ryde Police Station since its closure to the general public, a decade ago.

Dignitaries attending the event include the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, together with the Island's High Sheriff, Graham Biss, and Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson.

The Chief Constable and PCC Jones will jointly cut the ribbon at 10.30am. PCC Jones will also unveil a plaque commemorating the reopening of the Station Street facility.

The public are invited to inside to view the new-look station from 11am. 

The station, which has been closed to the public since 2014, will operate with a new front desk three days a week.

Its new hours will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9.30am to 3pm, and Saturdays, from 9am to 2.30pm.

Newport Police Station will continue to operate daily, while Cowes Police Station resumed public access in January, for both drop-ins and pre-arranged appointments.