COUNCILLORS and dignitaries from across Essex converged on Colchester to celebrate the official launch of the town’s SOS and Community Bus.
Although the vehicle has been running in the town centre on Saturday nights for about six weeks, it was the first time the public and councillors had the opportunity to explore the bus in daylight.
The High Sheriff of Essex, Sarah Courage, and dignitaries from Colchester Council and Essex County Council took a tour of the bus and met the partners involved in setting it up.
The SOS and Community Bus has been set up in a partnership scheme including Colchester police, Colchester Council and Colchester Pub and Club Watch.
On a Saturday night, the bus provides first aid assistance in the High Street. It is a safe haven for anyone feeling vulnerable, cold or who has become separated from friends, and also helps look after revellers who have drunk too much.
It is hoped that the bus will also be used by different organisations during the day to offer advice ranging from benefits to housing and from crime prevention to medical advice.
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