Ryde Police Station will reopen to the public next year, it has been confirmed, as the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) looks to 'drive down' youth crime in the Isle of Wight town.

Nine years after shutting due to it being 'rarely used', it has been announced the station, on Station Road, will once again open its front counter.

PCC Donna Jones said it was clear Ryde "needs a bit more police focus and attention", particularly when it comes to crimes committed by young people.

She told the County Press she has been working closely with councillors in the local area, who made a passionate plea for its reopening.

She said: "When looking at crime numbers across the Isle of Wight, crimes committed particularly by young people in the Ryde area and the Bay area. That side of the area certainly needs a bit more police focus and attention.

"So having a front counter in Ryde means the public can, once again, go in and report crimes and issues."

When the station shut to the public, in June 2014, the then Hampshire Constabulary blamed 'low usage'.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Neighbourhood policing and detective teams have continued to operate from there since its closure.

PCC Jones said it was too early to say when exactly the station would reopen but the aim is for autumn 2024.

She said she hoped it will make the community feel safer and 'really help with youth violence and youth crime.'

Councillor Karen Lucioni, cabinet member for community protection, told the County Press: "Ryde residents asked me to do two things when I took over the cabinet role: one was to have the police and crime commissioner talk about her role and answer questions and the second, a very important task, was to ask for our Ryde Police Station front desk to be reopened.

"I can today say that I have delivered on both of those pledges.

"Thank you to Donna Jones for working with me on this."

The County Press has asked what the station's opening hours will be.

In total, 10 more police stations are reopening to the public across the region, as part of the PCC's announcement.

A new police station will also be opening in Cowes High Street, as the County Press previously reported.