DORSET Police hope to turn Boscombe Crescent into a community garden, as they expand a “cleaned up” zone into new territory.

Their work began last summer at Boscombe fountain and is now ready to move onto land often associated with the area’s drug trade.

Sgt Guy Nicholas from Bournemouth East police has no truck with the doubters who do not believe that changes can be made.

“Boscombe is a very vibrant and enjoyable place for people to come,” said Sgt Nicholas, as he showed the Daily Echo around progress so far.

Last June, the Echo reported on the launch of his ‘Perimeter Partnership Policing’ programme.

The idea is to deal with all the problems in one small area at a time, and then slowly expand the zone in a “bubble”.

The bubble is ready to move into the crescent, after what appears to have been a successful expansion through the shopping precinct.

When the Echo asked for views at a meeting of Boscombe Traders Association, everyone who gave an opinion was in favour.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” said Angus Reid, head of the group.

The work in the precinct has often involved businesses.

For example, Iceland was persuaded to beef up security at the back of the store to stop people stealing out of date food and then sleeping and congregating in the area.

The Sovereign Centre tries to keep its own rear area clean to stop derelicts scavenging for cigarette butts discarded by staff, and then sitting around drinking.

Sally Coulson, the Boscombe Project officer, said: “The feedback from residents has been really positive.”

The police stress that everyone works together but Cllr Dave Smith, the cabinet member for communities, said the key man is Sgt Nicholas.

“He is always on the phone saying what can we do about this, what can we do about that,” said Cllr Smith.

The police have also been working with the new owners of the completely refurbished Greens Bar, who are eagerly co-operating with the re-launched shop watch scheme.

The police are still putting the crescent plan together.

They hope students will take part in the design, and that residential landlords will get involved.

“I’m not going to say it’s going to happen by tomorrow,” said Sgt Nicholas.

“It might take six months. It might take a year.

“But that’s what we are going to do.”