EX-servicemen have come together to support those living on the streets.

Darren Greenwood, 50, served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps for four years. and is in the first stages of converting an old double decker bus into a shelter for people living on the street in the city.

The former Hereford and Worcester firefighter said: “I came up with the idea of The Snug after seeing another similar project doing really well in Bristol. “I am horrified and appalled at the amount of homeless people who are sleeping on our streets, in doorways, on benches, in cardboard boxes and trying to stay warm throughout the cold nights of winter. “A lot of these people are ex military and it’s awful to see, it’s about time we started to look after them. I think the homeless have been forgotten.”

Mr Greenwood who currently works for the ambulance service has set up a fund-raising page on facebook and smashed his original goal of £400. He has managed to raise just under £1,500 in just four days. He added: “The response I have had has been inspiring. It is absolutely amazing, I am truly overwhelmed with the generosity people have shown. Our next step is to hopefully get a double decker donated or raise enough funds to buy one. We are in the early stages but I am ready to get stuck in and help the people who need it.”

Mr. Greenwood, father of one, is hoping the project will be up and running for Christmas 2020.

He explained: “The bus will hold sleeping areas for up to 12 people and will also include a sitting area, shower and toilet. It will have lighting, electricity and running water. The Snug will be run by a small group of volunteers and will hopefully be able to serve food. I am currently in talks with the council as to where the bus can be located and the logistics of it all. We will keep the bus away from residential areas but close enough to the city centre that it is easy to find.”

“It is no doubt going to be a lengthy process and a very busy year. I am under no illusions that this is going to be easy, but it will be worth it. Once The Snug is up and running here in Worcester I hope to set one up in Gloucester and Hereford.”

To get involved email Darren at thesnug@qualityservice.com

The project will be supported by Stepway. A Worcester charity that supports veterans adapting to civilian life.