A CHARITY set up following the tragic deaths of two youngsters after the IRA bombing in Warrington town centre has been told funding it is a priority for the Government.

Tory Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, made his way to the Peace Centre earlier today, Tuesday, ahead of the general election.

It follows a visit from foreign secretary Dominic Raab last month.

The site, off Cromwell Avenue, is home to the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation, which promotes peace and non-violent conflict resolution.

Warrington Guardian:

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick visited the Peace Centre earlier today

It helps at least 10,000 children a year, many of whom have been affected by terrorism.

It was set up after the deaths of 12-year-old Tim Parry and three-year-old Johnathan Ball following the bombing in March 1993.

Founders Colin and Wendy Parry, as well as chief executive Nick Taylor, spoke to Mr Jenrick about the work taking place at the charity.

He was also welcomed by Andy Carter, Tory Warrington South parliamentary candidate.

Around 80 per cent of the foundation’s funding comes from central Government – primarily from the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.

However, crucial services provided by the charity are at risk due to cuts in the funding.

But Mr Jenrick highlighted how impressed he was with the organisation.

He said: “If we are re-elected, I will organise a meeting with officials from my department at MHCLG (the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government), the Home Office and the Foreign Office as a matter of priority in early January to see how we can give this centre and the work that it does a sustainable future.

“For me, this is superb work, we know that these issues have not gone away, if anything we are living through a period of increased polarisation in society.

“We want to have more integrated communities so the work that this centre does is very important to the Government, it’s one of our priorities and I want to see it funded into the future.”