VOLUNTEERS have stepped in to save a rough sleepers’s bus and hope to have it back on the road within a month.

Colchester Rough Sleepers Group was formed with the vision of transforming a double decker bus into a mobile sanctuary for people living on the streets.

The project was floated in 2017, with a public appeal, supported by the Gazette, managing to bring in £50,000 to renovate and insure the bus.

One mystery donor stumped up £25,000.

In July last year, the group reported it had welcomed its first rough sleeper aboard.

Bosses said the bus included sleeping pods, showers, a lounge and relaxation area, a TV and sofas.

Last November, the charity reported it had offered 60 nights’ sleep to people in need but confirmed the bus was no longer in use.

Now a separate group, B-Us, has taken on the project to try to get it back on track.

Daniel Catchpole, of B-Us, said the bus had not been fit for purpose as of January 1.

“Extensive works were and are required to make the bus safe, functional and habitable,” he said.

“For many reasons, Colchester Rough Sleepers Group did not have the funds available to complete the works and get the bus functioning as it was intended to be.

“B-Us has agreed to pay for the necessary works and the running costs for the bus to get it open as soon as possible.

“This will be as a completely separate entity to Colchester Rough Sleepers Group.

“We will be working closely together going forwards in order to make this long-awaited project a success.”

Mr Catchpole also apologised to supporters of the project and to rough sleepers.

“Our biggest apology is to the homeless people in Colchester who are cold tonight, when they should be sleeping on the bus with warmth, safety and kindness,” he said.

“The works on the bus will be completed within the next few weeks and we want it open and functioning effectively and efficiently within the month.”

In a statement the rough sleepers group said: “Further to the developments arising from the sudden departure of the previous project management, circumstances have dictated that a third party be brought in to complete some necessary works on the bus and process an exchange of responsibilities.

“CRSG is working on an agreement with the community group B-Us and welcome their help and assistance that will benefit those people rough sleeping and vulnerable in Colchester which is all we have wanted to do from the beginning.”