An Isle of Wight police station was reopened to the public for the first time in a decade today (Friday, October 25).

Ryde Police Station on Station Street was formally opened by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable Scott Chilton.

The police station has reopened as part of a pledge by PCC Jones to reopen ten police stations in the area to increase police visibility in the community.

Ryde Police Station's counter is the sixth opening of the initiative, with the first being in Cowes in January 2024.

PCC Jones said: "Reopening front counters is part of my promise to the people of the Isle of Wight, and I'm pleased to have delivered on that."

PCC Jones suggested that front counters could be used for people who have soft information about crime, such as suspecting a drug dealer outside a secondary school or finding a knife in a public place.

She said: "Front counters are going to be a way of the public being able to come in, make those enquiries and ask those questions."

Police ticker tape was cut to open the front counter by PCC Jones and Chief Constable Scott Chilton.

The Chief Constable said: "Somewhere like Ryde, although a safe place, residents have been telling the Commissioner that they want the police back in their community, so we've done that and have restructured the force to make that happen.

"Having a police station that is open for people to come to, report crime, give information, perhaps seek some reassurance or be signposted to the right agency that can help them is absolutely crucial."

Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight High Sherriff Graham Biss, Mayor of Ryde Cllr Richard May and Leader of the IW Council Cllr Phil Jordan were also in attendance.

Mr Robertson said: "It's great to see the police station has been open.

"I'm grateful to Donna Jones for opening the counter.

"It's something she's said that she would do, and she's delivered on her promise.

"I think having a physical space where residents can come and speak to the police is really important."

Mr Biss said:  "I think it's really important to keep our policing local, and it's great that the police are listening."