Brighton is to get its own Tardis.
The Doctor Who style police box is part of a plan to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The “Tardis” is currently a car park kiosk which is being converted by Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Police and Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust.
The council said that the project was a response to concerns expressed by people living near High Street, off St James’s Street, Brighton.
They have complained about drug-taking, vandalism and thefts from cars parked in the council-owned car park in High Street.
The police box will be used as a base for community police officers, giving them a more visible presence in the car park.
It will also be used as a venue by the police for neighbourhood surgeries.
The council said: “The interior of the car park is going to be painted brilliant white by offenders as part of a Community Payback scheme organised by the probation service which, when completed, will create a clean, welcoming impression for car park users and a deterrent for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
“A locally based drugs outreach worker, from Crime Reduction Initiatives, will be carrying out ongoing work on behalf of the city council to help drug users in the area to get help and treatment.
“The local community is also getting involved, with businesses and residents brightening up the surrounding area with plants and flowers.”
Councillor Mary Mears, the leader of the Conservative-run council, said: “This is a real team effort.
“Residents and local business people told us they were fed up with the car park being used for anti-social behaviour.
“And we have worked with the police, probation service and the local community to do something practical about it.
“The police box will provide a high-profile police presence and hopefully raise a few smiles among Doctor Who fans at the same time.”
Inspector David Derrick, the head of Central Brighton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This initiative is a great example of the local neighbourhood policing team and council working together, reacting to community needs.
“We will be based right within the community, making the team even more accessible. “This is not a police station but local residents are welcome to pop by and get crime prevention advice and make appointments to see officers.”
Arthur Wing, the director of intervention at Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust, said: “Offenders are working hard on this project to create a safer and more welcoming environment in the car park and reduce further incidents of crime in the area.
“This is an excellent way of them paying back the community for the harm they have caused by their offending.”
