A bus which is providing emergency shelter to rough sleepers has been handed its second parking tickets in days.

Gerry Watkins, who spent nearly two years converting the double decker bus in Cirencester, said it is causing stress to him and the vulnerable people he is trying to help.

"I just can't believe it. I got a call this morning from one of the volunteers who was on the bus who said a parking warden was there and was issuing the bus with a second ticket.

"The volunteer asked the ticket warden who sent you and they replied Gloucestershire County Council."

Mr Watkins was on  BBC Gloucestershire talking about his project this morning, and about the initial ticket he received before New Year's Eve.

On the show, presenter Mark Cummings told Mr Watkins the council were going to try to work something out with him about the ticket.

"They haven't got in touch. They just sent a ticket warden and slapped another ticket on me," he said.

"I'm now having to consider whether to move the bus or not.

"Surely I am helping them with the homeless problem in Cirencester, so why can't they help me?

"It has really got me down now, and the worst thing is it's not just affecting me, but also the vulnerable people on the bus.

"They are getting stressed now wondering whether or not the bus will be staying.

"I am not going to back down. I believe in this project, and I will fight to the end."

A spokesman from Gloucestershire County Council said: “Where the bus is currently parked blocks a designated public bus stop provided for the residents of Cirencester.

"We will continue to work with Mr Watkins to resolve this situation.”

The Big Yellow Bus Project was launched in June 2017, and Mr Watkins has worked hard to raise the £30,000 needed for 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.

For more on the Yellow Bus Project Project click here