Police working in a prominent Isle of Wight town could soon have a new home — and a permanent presence in the high street.

Around nine years after Cowes Police Station closed, plans have been put forward to turn a former estate agents, into a 'hub' for the town's Police Neighbourhoods team.

The building at 126 High Street, Cowes, was previously occupied by Watson Bull & Porter.

Although the hub in Cowes is not a station, and there would be no front counter to allow for public walk-ins, plans state there would be an area set aside at the front of the building for pre-arranged public appointments.

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Cowes Police Neighbourhoods team currently operates from Cowes Fire Station.

Proposals have been put forward on behalf of The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

An application submitted to the Isle of Wight Council said access into the property, which is directly opposite The Anchor Inn pub, would be managed by site staff.

There would also be a ramp for wheelchair users and, for when the police hub is shut, a yellow phone on the side of the building, accessible from the alleyway to the marina.

It is also proposed replacing the current shop entrance and facade. 

PCC Donna Jones is on a mission to increase the visibility of the force, including here on the Island.

She has recently reopened police stations in central Portsmouth and Gosport, and there has been talk of once again opening Ryde Police Station to the public.

The former Cowes Police Station, on Mill Hill Road, closed as a base for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary around nine years ago, and has since been taken over by marine design and manufacturing firm, Spinlock.