SOS bus will be 'safe place' to access support

Residents will be able to use the bus during the winter months

Residents will be given a "safe space" to access support in the form of a mobile bus, a council has said.

The colourful Winter Wellbeing vehicle will give visitors the opportunity to speak to experts about saving energy, home energy grants and other available support, Maldon District Council confirmed.

As part of a trial, the bright lime green and pink bus will be parked at Butt Lane Car Park in Maldon from 09:15 GMT to 11:15 on Thursday before moving on to Plantation Hall in Heybridge from 11:30 to 13:30.

Independent Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon District Council, said: "I am delighted that the council has been able to use this opportunity to provide a mobile Winter Wellbeing hub to our residents."

He added: "This trial demonstrates our commitment to tackling the challenges our communities face during the winter season."

Open Road, which is a charity focused on helping people who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, owns the bus and has allowed the council to use it.