WARRINGTON remembered the Bridge Street bombings with a special remembrance event to mark the 15th anniversary of the atrocity.
Past and present town leaders and representatives from various organisations joined members of the public to pay tribute to two boys who lost their lives in the bombing – Tim Parry, aged 12 and Johnathan Ball, aged three.Flowers were laid at the scene in Bridge Street by representatives from Warrington Borough Council’s administration from 1993, including the town’s former MP Mike Hall, the council’s current administration, Warrington North MP Helen Jones, representatives from the victims, including Colin and Wendy Parry who lost their 12-year-old son Tim, as well as members of the emergency services and church leaders.
The event was a celebration of peace and a time of reflection. Thanks were also given to everyone who has been involved in helping to rebuild the town since the tragedy.
The Mayor, Coun Celia Jordan, spoke on behalf of all those attending before various representatives laid flowers. Guests were then invited back to the Town Hall for light refreshments.
Coun Jordan described the bombing as “the most tragic event in Warrington’s recent history” but praised those who had rallied and shown great strength in the community.”
Mr Parry said Tim and Johnathan had been “frozen in time” while those around had grown older. They would have been 27 and 18 and now hopefully leading happy lives had they been alive.But following the tragedy Warrington and many people had “emerged with great credit” and the peace centre had provided a living legacy to those who had lost their lives.
Mrs Parry said that 15 years sometimes felt like a long time ago yet on other occasions only seemed a moment ago.
Coun Ian Marks, leader of the council, said: “Warrington is united in its thoughts and prayers as we reflect on the events of 15 years ago and pay tribute to those who lost their lives and were deeply affected.”
