We doubt they have the capacity to transport you through time and into space, but Tardis-style kiosks are set to land in Preston nonetheless, with powers designed to help police combat crime.

The intergalactic-looking touch-screen will have screens on three sides, providing information about “policing issues”, public safety and tourist information. Messages will also be broadcast via a ticker tape LED display. It will also include a help button, linked to the city centre CCTV control centre, which can be pressed in an emergency – such as looking for a missing child, or to alert the authorities of a street fight.

And police hope the “modern and iconic” addition to Preston’s city centre will become a “local source of pride”.

The unmanned, three-metre high “citizen contact kiosk” will be made of stainless steel to withstand vandalism and the design will be based on one which has been successfully operating in Glasgow since 2005.

Coun Ron Atkins said he hoped more of the kiosks could be built elsewhere in the city if the initial model proves successful.

“I think it’s an excellent idea – it will do a lot for communication between the people of Preston and the police.
I think it’s one of the best ways of contacting the police for people who would otherwise be reluctant to contact them.”