Peace centre praised for project

The Legacy project was inspired by the Warrington bombing

The Minister of State for Northern Island has praised the achievements of a Cheshire project dedicated to supporting victims of the Troubles.

Paul Goggins, visited the Peace Centre, Warrington, which was bombed by the IRA in 1993, to celebrate the Legacy project as it draws to a close.

Set up by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust, it has provided emotional support for many affected by conflict.

Project manager Jo Dover said it has helped victims of bombings in the UK.

'Positive for people'

She said: "I think one of the things that has been positive for people is the chance to meet other people who have been affected throughout similar experiences.

"Previously they have been isolated in their own area and not had anyone to understand what it is like to have been in a bomb or to have lost someone in a traumatic way."

Mr Goggins made the trip to deliver a speech on the success of the initiative since it was set up in 2003 by Colin and Wendy Parry after their 12-year-old son Tim and three-year-old Johnathan Ball were killed in the Cheshire blast.

The project has been a support service for people bereaved, injured or traumatized in trouble directly linked to Northern Ireland.

Those who have benefited include former soldiers, victims of bombing in Britain, emergency service workers who attend incidents, families of soldiers killed in the conflict and all families of those involved.

The Legacy project officially finishes next month.