New nighttime safety bus unveiled on High Street

Sarah Wright from Open Road, said the old SOS bus was "literally a lifesaver - as was proven late last year"

A new nighttime SOS bus aiming to make a city's streets safer is being unveiled.

The bus is run by the Open Road charity which positions its vehicle on Colchester's High Street on Friday and Saturday nights and provides shelter for people.

Staff on the bus have also provided support for people and families who have struggled with drug and alcohol issues.

Residents will be able to watch the Mayor of Colchester, John Jowers, unveil the new bus at 12:30 GMT on the High Street.

Sarah Wright, chief executive of Open Road, said: "It is, literally, a lifesaver as was proven late last year when two people were saved by the actions of the staff and volunteers on the bus.

"We’re grateful to our funders and supporters for enabling us to get a new, purpose-built bus on the road.”

The old bus is not being scrapped and instead it is recieving a makeover and will be used for educational and information events

The new community bus was funded with £50,000 from the government's Safer Streets Fund, via Essex's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC).

The old bus was stationed on the High Street for years and was equipped with a medical room on board which was staffed by trained paramedics.

A spokesperson for Open Road said the bus had saved the police and NHS thousands of pounds every year.

However, the old SOS bus is not going to be scrapped because the PFCC has also awarded £15,000 for it to be revamped and repaired.

It will continue to be used for education and information events.