In a bid to make police more visible on the Isle of Wight, a neighbourhood team could be moving into a high street.
Plans have been put forward by the Office of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner to turn the former Waston, Bull and Porter estate agent shop on Cowes High Street into a new police hub.
New home for the Cowes NPT
The shop, 126 High Street, could be the new home for the Cowes Neighbourhood Police Team which currently operate from Cowes Fire Station, on Victoria Road.
There would be no front counter, like in police stations, for the public to report concerns, but an area would be designated for pre-arranged public appointments.
Proposed changes to shop front
Access to the hub would be managed by staff. Changes are proposed to the shop front, repairing some aspects and installing a new door.
Among the plans, a main office for the police team is proposed as well as a rest area for officers.
Police moved out of their former home on Birmingham Road, nearly nine years ago and it is now the base of sailing manufacturer, Spinlock.
Increase visibility
The Island’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, plans to increase visibility across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Ms Jones has recently reopened police stations in Gosport and Portsmouth to allow the public to walk in and report concerns.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/00833/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning portal.
The public consultation runs until 23rd June.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
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