A yellow double-decker bus has been transformed by South Leeds churches into a social and activity centre for local teenagers and other groups.
Soon to be launched by churches in Lofthouse, Rothwell, Oulton and Methley, the ARK Bus, which is fitted with wi-fi and video games, will hit the streets to give local teenagers a safe place to hang out. It’s also hoped it will be used to teach the elderly and vulnerable how to use tablet computers, and how to access the internet for job searches and home shopping, etc.
The project was the idea of the Revd Mandy Rhodes, Vicar of Lofthouse Parish Church. She says, “The idea is to take it out in the evenings to serve refreshments to groups of youths who may be hanging around on street corners with little to do; to get to know them and perhaps be a stabilising presence in the neighbourhood. It is, primarily, about taking God’s love out into the world beyond our church walls and showing others that they are loved and valued beyond measure.
“My initial vision was for the churches to purchase a second-hand camper van or catering van so I was delighted when we were successful in our application to receive the double-decker bus as a gift from Calderdale Methodists, as they were applying for a newer bus for their Busoasis project. It’s now 
undergone a mammoth cleaning and painting session and is nearly ready to go”.
Local councillors and police have given the project their support and it’s hoped that, as has happened with similar projects throughout the country, communities will see an improvement in social cohesion.
Mandy says, “It’s a wonderful resource and the possibilities for its use are endless. I hope we’ll have enough volunteers to staff the bus so that it can be used as a mobile resource for all needy groups and individuals in the area.
“If anyone has the time and commitment to give to this project, I’d be delighted if they could contact me to discuss how we can work together to make Rothwell and District a safer, more neighbourly place to live.”
Mandy Rhodes can be contacted on 01924 823286 or Revmac63@googlemail.com