A TRUCK driver from Cirencester is hoping to raise £4,000 to purchase a double decker bus and convert it into a safe place for homeless people.

Gerry Watkins, 54, launched the Big Yellow Bus Project this month and will be holding a number of fundraising events in the near future.

“I am looking to raise £4,000 to purchase a double decker bus to convert into a safe place for the homeless of Cirencester to sleep at night,” he said.

The bus will also be a place where homeless people can eat and will “have sleeping bunk beds and washing facilities”.

 It will be roadworthy so it can be moved and stored during the day, with Gerry admitting it is “a massive challenge and a long term project".

One of the fundraising events put on by Gerry will see band The Mighty Mick O’Toole performing at The Swiss Chalet in Swindon on September 23.

Other bands who have come on board include The One Chord Wonders and The Rock Mockers, with Gerry setting up a number of gigs in pubs around Cirencester and Swindon.

“I have been raising money for different charities since 2000,” he said. “I use my interests to help raise money; I love live music and support lots of local bands and they support me in my fundraising.”

Three years ago, Gerry launched Sound of the Cotswolds, a mini music festival which raises money for homeless veterans.

He said he came up with the idea for the Big Yellow Bus Project because he felt not enough was being done to help the homeless in Cirencester and the Cotswolds.

“Just walk the streets of Cirencester and you will see homeless people trying to survive and get through the day and night.

“We have a problem in Cirencester like most towns and cities, but it seems not a lot is going on to help these people here.”

Gerry has set up a five-person committee to help him see the project to fruition and hopes to have the bus “up and running” by Christmas, and is also in the process of putting together a documentary film to highlight the homeless problem in the town.

He said the committee is made up of “like-minded people like myself that feel very strongly about helping the homeless people of Cirencester”.

“It's going to be tough. We need to raise £4,000 first to purchase a bus.

“It would be nice if a firm donated a bus then we would be up and running.

“This project is massive, but we will get there and we will succeed.”

He went on to say it is a “shame we couldn't utilise an empty building in Cirencester to help these people but then again it seems to those in power we don't have a problem with homeless people in Cirencester, do we?”

“Otherwise they would be trying to help these people, wouldn't they?”

“You are only two months away from being homeless,” he said. “You lose your job, cannot get a job, you then cannot pay your rent or mortgage you then start arguing with your partner.

“One thing leads to another and you find yourself on the streets. Welcome to your worst nightmare.

“People walk past you spitting on you or even giving you a good kicking just for fun.

“We all see homeless people drinking or smoking stuff they shouldn't but most need this to get through the night.”

Gerry said once he has enough money to buy a bus he will be “looking for help from very kind tradesmen and women to help with the conversion” while all the proper safety checks and procedures will be carried out.

Gerry has also promised that any businesses that sponsor the project will have graphics put on the outside of the bus when it is finished.

Once the first bus is up and running, he will then look to buy buses for other Cotswold towns.

If you are interested in getting involved in the project, call Gerry on 07808030220 or email gerryminicar@aol.com.

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gerry-watkins to donate.