PRETTY cool. One opinion of Boscombe’s newest attraction, the police box in the precinct. And it’s the view of the cynical hard-nosed reporter who covered the opening yesterday, not of a child or an enthralled Doctor Who fan.

Of course, the Tardis is more than a gimmick, it’s designed to help police officers to engage more effectively with the community as well as deterring anti-social behaviour. If it brings in a little extra tourism too, then that’s an added bonus.

The final piece of the crimefighting jigsaw? Getting the Daleks and Cybermen to patrol the area. That should keep the streets safe.