Coastline Housing has launched the first leg of a campaign aiming to highlight the housing crisis, taking to the road in an iconic Route Master bus.

The bus, with Coastline staff on board, called at Porthleven and Redruth to meet with local people on the bus and encourage them to sign the Homes for Britain petition. 

They were greeted at Porthleven by local MP Andrew George and Cornwall Councillor Andrew Wallis, who were both eager to lend their support to the campaign.

Coastline's leg of the relay ended with a handover of a giant key baton to Devon and Cornwall Housing outside Truro Cathedral. Gail Robinson, who has been a client of Coastline's homeless service, was given the honour of handing over the baton.

Allister Young, CEO at Coastline Housing, which provides homes across the county including in Falmouth and nearby villages, said: “The rally will give all those affected by the housing crisis a voice and that is a good thing. But we want to give a face as well so this is Gail's story.

“Gail's problems with alcohol meant she spent five years sleeping rough, on and off the streets with limited support to help with her addiction let alone a place to call home. By the time she came to Coastline she was at rock bottom. 

“We were able to place her in supported accommodation but it took a further two years and a lot of determination before she conquered her addiction.

“With a refreshed attitude to life Gail was ready to give something back and she became a volunteer at the Coastline Homeless Service Day Centre, freely using her story to inspire others. 

“By asking Gail to pass over the first baton in the rally we are stating that it is never too late to change someone's life. 

“Homes for Britain means homes for real people like Gail and that is why Coastline has been proud to throw our support behind the campaign.”

Homes for Britain is campaigning for the next government to come up with a long-term plan to tackle the housing crisis within a year of getting into office. 

It is being backed by thousands of people up and down the country who have joined forces with organisations from every corner of the housing world.