THE Bus Shelter IW has shut its doors for a final time after failing to get planning permission to relaunch on a new site.

A spokesman for the Shelter confirmed: "With a heavy heart I'm sorry to say that, as the IW Council has not allowed us to open again, we are closing down.

"The bus is being gifted to another bus shelter charity in Norwich. Our Island charity is in the process of being wound up."

The Bus Shelter was set up by a former homeless man, Kev Newton, in 2016, to help people affected by the closure of the night shelter at that time.

It was the first of its kind in the country and, over the last three years, many shelters have followed the Island's lead including Milton Keynes, Reading, Oxford and Ipswich.

Mr Newton bought a double decker bus and converted to include 20 beds, as well as toilets and facilities, for anyone who stayed to wash and dry their clothes, shower, eat and relax.

It successfully helped rehouse 22 of its guests full-time and provided support once they moved into accommodation.

Originally it was housed at the Wight Heritage and Military Museum, Northwood, where it was converted, and initially set up at Newclose, but had to move.

It then struggled to find a new home and, after running into difficulties, was taken over by a new group.

Recently, the bus was moved to Hydromar Ltd, Sandown where it had an extensive refurb.

However, the decision has now been made to close the project.

The County Press has asked the IW Council for a response.

UPDATE 4.48pm: Council refutes the claim

A spokesperson said this afternoon: “We strongly refute any suggestion the IW Council has prevented The Bus Shelter from re-opening.

“On the contrary, the council was willing to continue to support them in their efforts to find a new, suitable location for the shelter.

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