An ‘over-zealous’ traffic warden who slapped a parking ticket on a bus which was providing emergency shelter to rough sleepers has sparked outrage.

Gerry Watkins, who spent nearly two years converting the double decker bus to help rough sleepers in Cirencester, said he was devastated by what he first thought had been a silly joke.

“It’s unbelievable, I thought it must have been some kind of silly joke.

“I am just trying to help people who are really vulnerable, and it’s left me feeling disillusioned, upset and angry.”

The Big Yellow Bus Project was launched in June 2017, and Mr Watkins has worked hard to raise the £30,000 needed to do the work – ensuring that the shelter was open for those in need before Christmas.

Now complete, the bus can provide vital sanctuary for up to seven rough sleepers at a time – there is a wood stove to keep the bus warm, cooking facilities and an area for people to eat and take a break from the streets.

Since the doors opened a number of people with nowhere else to sleep have used the warm and safe space.

“I started the project because I really felt that no one was doing enough to help the homeless in the Cotswolds,” Mr Watkins said.

He added that the town’s police officers had even been known to pop in for a hot drink to warm up.

“I’ve been working with the police – who even popped in to the bus for a coffee on Christmas Day, so it’s not like I’ve been doing anything without co-operating with the authorities.

The vehicle was in its usual spot in a bus parking bay by the leisure centre when a traffic warden employed by Gloucestershire County Council popped a ticket on the windscreen. 

“Of course, it was just someone doing their job, but this is such a slap in the face.

“I have now got to spend valuable time fighting this when I could be spending time helping those who need help.”

“If Gloucestershire County Council don’t appreciate what I’m doing here then maybe I’ll just take the bus to Swindon – I know I’ll be welcome there,”

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said they would be working with Mr Watkins to resolve the situation.

“Where the bus is currently parked blocks a designated public bus stop provided for the residents of Cirencester. We received a letter yesterday disputing the fine and we will try to work with Mr Watkins to resolve the situation.”