A MUM whose family's lives have been made hell because of the mistaken belief they are Irish says it will take more than a Peace Centre to stop prejudice in Warrington.

Julie Mitchell moved with her family to Watkin Street, Orford, in August '96, and says that the anti-Irish taunts and abuse from some of her neighbours started soon afterwards.

But neither she nor her five children are from Ireland, although her estranged husband is and serves with the British Army in Belfast.

She is attempting a reconciliation with her husband and moves to Ireland today, Friday. But before she starts a new life she wants to put the record straight.

Julie, aged 35, said: "I'm not Irish, but I would be more proud to be called Irish after the way we have been treated by some people from Warrington.

"I am disgusted to be English, because now I can see why there is so much conflict."

She believes that the problems started when some neighbours saw an Irish address on the side of the removal van when the family first arrived.

The problems escalated to the point where Julie and her children were living in fear. Obscene graffiti was scribbled on the door of their home, her children were abused in the street by adults and bullied at school by classmates.

"I wouldn't want to tar everyone in Warrington with the same brush, but there are an awful lot of bigoted people out there," she said.

"I'm doing this because it shouldn't be brushed under the carpet. There is no point having a a Peace Centre in Warrington until there has been some education about racism in schools.

"I have felt that my life was in danger all the time I have lived here. My kids have been physically and mentally abused, and I think people should know about it. I'm ashamed of my own people and I will never set foot in Warrington again."

Campaigners who have fought for years to have the Peace Centre built said they were shocked to hear of such anti-Irish feelings in the town.

Colin Parry, who has campaigned for peace since his son Tim was killed in the bombing in 1993, said: "I personally have come across no anti-Irish feeling in this town. If she says it exists that is a great shame, and is to be regretted."

He added: "We recognise the Peace Centre is just a start. It is targeted very much at children and young people, to stop the ideas which some adults put in their minds."

And chairman of Warrington Ireland Reconciliation Enterprise, Clr Mike Hannon, added: "I have always thought there was an excellent relationship between the people of Warrington and the people of Ireland."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.