THE foundations for a new beginning were laid in Warrington this week when builders began work on the town's long awaited Peace Centre.

The Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Young People's Centre, named after the two young boys killed by the Warrington bomb, in 1993, will be opened in March 2000 to coincide with the seventh anniversary of their tragic deaths.

Colin and Wendy Parry were joined on Wednesday by youngsters from the Tim Parry Scholarship who marked out the land ready for the start of building work.

Colin Parry said: "The creation of the centre is a very significant development and particularly so at this time when the Northern Ireland peace process is stalled.

"It is absolutely fantastic to be here on the site and to see the fence up and earth being moved. It is five years since the first thoughts of a peace centre, so it has been a long time coming."

It is hoped the centre will bring young people of all religions, political beliefs and backgrounds together to explore and understand their differences, whilst promoting peace.

The £2.5 million centre will house an information technology suite, a video and sound recording studio and residential accommodation for up to 34 visitors.

It will also be a flagship for the NSPCC which will provide a range of advice and support services under the same roof.

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