BOOKS of condolence have been opened in Warrington for people to share their thoughts with those in Omagh, the Irish town devastated by a terrorist bomb on Saturday.

And after much deliberation, council bosses decided to open one book outside Boots in Bridge Street, the site of Warrington's own bombing in 1993.

Colin Parry, who lost his son Tim at the hands of the IRA in the Bridge Street bombing, said: "I was shocked when I heard the news as I watched television on Saturday, firstly because there was a bomb and also at the high loss of life."

Colin said the images brought back terrible memories both for him and his family.

"Some of the Omagh people may feel anger," he said, "but more will feel completely and utterly numb.

"There will be feelings of disbelief and hopes that it is just a dream and that they will wake up. Eventually the realisation will hit them."

And he had a message for the people of Omagh.

"It may sound like a platitude," he said, "but in time the pain will diminish.

"It will never go away, but you do find coping mechanisms though the memories will always be there."

Town leaders have written to Omagh to offer words of sympathy and support in the aftermath of the tragedy which killed 28 people and injured hundreds more.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington, Clr Albert and Mrs Jean Clemow, said: "It was with terrible sadness and a deep sense of shock that we heard the news of the terrible atrocity that took place in Omagh at the weekend.

"No-one could fail to be affected by this.

"We experienced a similar tragedy in 1993 and are aware of the suffering within your community. We wish you the strength to overcome what has happened."

Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council, Steven Broomhead, wrote to his Omagh counterpart, John McKinney.

He said: "I write to offer our deepest sympathy for the massacre of the innocent in your community.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic events and offer our support in these testing and challenging times, given our experiences of the Warrington bomb five years ago. Our thoughts are with you.

Helen Southworth MP for Warrington South said: "The atrocity in Omagh is the action of a few wicked individuals who put themselves outside society. They are outcasts and there will be no hiding place for them.

"Millions of people voted for peace in the referendum this summer in Northern and Southern Ireland. They have the right to live their lives free from attack. The British Government is determined to make sure that they enjoy that right."

Ms Southworth has written to councillor Sean Clark, chairman of Omagh District Council.

In the letter she said: "I would like to express my deep shock and sorrow at the criminal violation in your town centre and the human tragedy which people in Omagh are suffering.

"People in Omagh must be in a state of terrible shock but please let them know of the friendship and support from Warrington. We have felt the pain of the troubles. We also share the hope and desire of people in Northern and Southern Ireland for peace across all these islands. We are actively supporting community initiatives so that our shared vision can be achieved and good can be brought out of evil."

The books of condolence are situated at Boots, the Town Hall, New Town House, Warrington Library, the inquiry office in the market and at the bus station entrance to Golden Square. The books will be open from 10am to 4pm daily, except at New Town House which closes on Saturday and Warrington Library which closes at 1pm Thursday.

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