POLICE PROGRESS WITH FUTURE STATION OPTIONS BUT RULE OUT JOINT VENTURE WITH FIRE SERVICE

Police are continuing to ‘look for opportunities in and around Newport’ when it comes to the future of the county town’s Police station, but have ruled out a joint station with the fire service. It has been confirmed this week that land directly in front of HMP Isle of Wight – outside Albany – was being considered for a joint Police and Fire station. A site visit between the Police and Crime Commissioner and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was conducted in 2023. However, it’s said that the operational requirements of both services have since changed, and a joint station is no longer being pursued. Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has confirmed that her office is progressing with options to invest in the local estate and will ‘continue to look for opportunities in and around Newport’. Recently Cowes Police Station was opened in the High Street, and the front counter at Ryde will be opened in the Autumn. At present, officers are spread across a number of different sites in the Island’s county town including the station on High Street, offices at Langley Court and at Barry Way. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says it has no current plans to move from its Pyle Street site, and will be continuing its multi-million-pound investment in the local estate which will include upgrades to Newport Fire Station to create a modern and fit-for-purpose workplace.