A CHARITY has been left devastated after its homeless bus was left off the road just days before it was due to take on its first client.

It has been a bumpy few days for the Colchester Rough Sleepers Group.

After months of hard work the group drove the bus from Harwich to Colchester.

But moments after pulling on to Ipswich Road disaster struck and the bus stopped.

Project manager Vic Flores said: “I couldn’t believe it. We were driving it back from Harwich to Colchester ready for next week and looking for our first guest.

“She was driving lovely but as we pulled into Ipswich Road, she just died.”

The team left the bus there overnight and went back the next day to try to get it started.

“We were trying to get her started but there is something to do with the fuel system,” Vic said. “We can get her started and she runs for two minutes and then dies again.”

The group has now left the bus with Colchester Fuel Injection Ltd which it hopes will get it back on the road.

Vic said: “We are just keeping our fingers crossed. We have no idea what is is going to cost so it is obviously a worry.

“The last couple of days have just been a nightmare.”

Vic admitted it was a hurdle but said it was one the group was more than capable of dealing with.

It has been 16 months since the Colchester Rough Sleepers Group picked up the double decker bus with a vision to transforming it into a mobile sanctuary for people living on the streets.

The bus now includes sleeping pods, showers, a lounge and relaxation area, a TV and sofas.

Rough sleepers will also be able to take their dogs on board.

The group is trying to raise £5,000 to help continue its work with the bus and rough sleepers.

To donate to the appeal, visit bit.ly/2JD8ScY.