THE future for a pioneering project run by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace will be secure says George Osborne.


The Chancellor of the Exchequer paid a visit to the Peace Centre on Thursday along with Euro MP Sajjad Karim to find out how emergency funding from the Government had helped keep the Survivors for Peace programme running.


And during the meeting he also pledged Government support to find the funds needed to keep it running on a permanent basis.


Mr Osborne said: “I came here seven years ago and it made a massive impression on me then, both the inspirational leadership of Colin and Wendy but also the way they have turned their tragedy into so much good for the community in Warrington but also the country.

“When I heard they were in trouble because of lottery funding I stepped in. I thought there is no point in doing a job like mine if you can’t help.”


The Tatton MP announced funding for the project at this year’s budget after concerns were raised by both Warrington South MP David Mowat and Labour’s Tessa Jowell.


And founders Colin and Wendy Parry, accompanied by the pair, visited the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to talk about the work.


“I came here committed to work out a permanent solution,” added Mr Osborne. “Being here today listening to the people who have been victims of terrorism here and abroad, people who suffered from trauma of being in the military and emergency services dealing with these incidents it’s brought home what a brilliant job they do.


“There is a 100 per cent promise it will get the support it needs, the question is how best to deliver that.”


Speaking after the visit, Mr Mowat said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the Chancellor to Warrington today to show him how the Government's money is helping people in Warrington and around the country.


"The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace is an iconic Warrington charity, which I am proud to support both here in Warrington and in Parliament."


Nick Bent, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South said: "Cross-party support for the Peace Centre is vital and I am proud that Labour MPs helped to secure funding for the Survivors for Peace project."

Warrington Guardian:


“I THINK Warrington is leading the way in this recovery.”


George Osborne is full of praise for the town which is consistently hitting top 10s for business growth and interest in the country.


He added: “Warrington has been through a difficult time in the recession, that’s what happens when an economic policy goes devastatingly wrong.


“It’s my job to come in and pick up the pieces afterwards.


“Times remain difficult but people can see things are starting to be created and confidence returning with people starting to feel more economically secure.


“There’s a lot more we can do for infrastructure, schools, nhs and jobs here in Warrington.”

Warrington Guardian:

READERS on our Facebook page were asked to put forward their questions to the Chancellor.


Peter Brown asked: “Your plan to toll the Runcorn Mersey crossings will paralyse Warrington, what are you going to do about it? Toll free?”


Mr Osborne said: “For many years people have campaigned for a second Mersey crossing. There were lots of promises from the last Labour government but nothing done.


“It’s something I wanted to sort out as a north west MP.


“Another crossing over the Mersey should relieve the congestion in Warrington.


“It’s always been a proposal to toll the bridge, we want to make sure it is done in a way that doesn’t have an impact on traffic, the whole purpose of the bridge is to make sure traffic is better and there is less congestion.”