Eco-campaigners spread the word on new community bus

After having to leave its premises on Manor Road earlier this year, the Green Centre has purchased a green double-decker bus which it is converting into a mobile education vehicle.

“Part of environmentalism is about being resilient, and being able to respond to whatever is thrown at you,” said founder and creative director Melanie Rees.

“We are demonstrating that resilience, and finding a way to cope and adapt.”

Thanks to a £10,000 grant from Brighton and Hove City Council, the Green Centre bus will become a hub of environmental education, working closely with other eco projects in the area.

“We’ll take it around the city, park it up for the whole day and people can come and learn, and recycle,” said Ms Rees, a former head teacher.

A team of volunteers hope to offer workshops on the upper deck, delivering a One Planet Living curriculum in line with Brighton and Hove City Council’s One Planet Principles.

They aim to raise awareness of environmental issues, educate the public and give practical advice.

The Green Centre grew from a single stall on George Street into a thriving community centre in east Brighton, entirely run by volunteers.

Due to damage to the building the lease was not renewed in April, and the project was temporarily homeless.

It is currently based at Brighton Open Market on Thursdays, where volunteers man a second-hand market, a large recycling area and a freegle stall.

The bus is parked at the Big Lemon while the renovation is underway, and should be up and running in spring 2018.