A PROJECT aimed at slashing problems caused by late-night drinkers in Clacton town centre has been scrapped.

The Clacton SOS Bus was launched to support vulnerable people and help the emergency services cope with drunken revellers.

The pilot scheme, which was launched in January, finished last weekend and will not be renewed.

Organiser claim not enough people have used the service.

Sarah Wright, chief executive of Open Road, said during the pilot only 156 people needed help.

“The pilot has been a useful exercise and we have learnt a lot about the needs of people frequenting Clacton on weekend evenings,” she said.

“However, the number of people taking advantage of the facility has been disappointing.

“So we won’t be seeking to raise further funding to continue this service for the time being.

“However, our Clacton treatment centre, in Wellesley Road, which has been open for 18 years, will continue to offer advice, support and treatment for local people.”

The SOS facility was supported by Tendring Community Safety Partnership and operated by drug and alcohol support charity Open Road.

The bus had an on-board medical unit, funded by NHS North East, which treated minor injuries, saving the need for ambulances trips to Colchester General Hospital’s accident and emergency department.