ONE of Warrington’s MPs has called for a Parliamentary debate on a tragic fire which claimed the lives of 50 people – including two from Warrington.

Friends Alan Barker, from Fearnhead, and Sean Kelly, from Woolston, died when a fire destroyed the Summerland indoor entertainment and leisure complex on the Isle of Man on August 2, 1973.

Alan, who was eight days away from his 21st birthday, and Sean, aged 21, were both working at the complex when the fire broke out.

The call for a debate was made in the House of Commons today, Thursday, by Warrington South MP Sarah Hall during the ‘Business of the House’ sitting.

She said: “This year marked the 51st anniversary of the Summerland disaster on the Isle of Man, in which 50 people, including 11 children, lost their lives after a fire engulfed the Summerland leisure complex.

“My constituent Valerie Daniels and her younger sister were both impacted by that horrifying tragedy. Two young men from Warrington died in the fire.

“A report into the disaster was released in the following year and catalogued a series of failures – from the design of the building to the fire safety regulations – but to date, no individuals or groups have been singled out for blame for what happened.

“Will my right honourable friend find time for a debate on the issue, so that survivors and the families of those who lost their lives can finally get justice?”

The question was answered by Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell.

She said: “I am really sorry to hear about that tragedy that affected my honourable friend’s constituents.

“These are incredibly pertinent issues, ones that we should be debating in this house.

“She might want to raise them as part of the Grenfell inquiry debate that will take place next week.

“If not, I am sure there will be other opportunities for her to raise them.”