Harlow MP Robert Halfon today (Monday, January 31) visited the Open Road SOS bus when it stopped off in Harlow town centre.

Open Road, the largest provider of drug and alcohol services in Essex, has established the bus project in partnership with a range of voluntary and public sector partners.

The bus, which was at the Terminus Street bus station, has a dual role as a safe haven on weekend nights and as a community resource during the week highlighting a range of community safety and health messages.

Mr Halfon said: "This is a fantastic bus operated by Open Road that gives support to youngsters on Friday and Saturday nights helping people to try and stop drug and alcohol abuse."

He added: "The bus is kitted out with the latest technology and medical equipment. Youngsters are looked after on the bus and it is well known that it in other parts of Essex it has helped reduce drug use considerably.

"I hope very much that this bus becomes a regular visitor to Harlow and works closely with the Street Pastors, the police and other community organisations."