21/03/2017 North West Tonight

Welcome to North West Tonight with Annabel Tiffin.

Colin Parry, whose son died in the Warrington bombing,

says he can't forgive Martin McGuinness.

The two men worked together to promote peace in Northern Ireland.

We innocent people trying to go to work. It is a disgrace.

Tempers fray on the fracking front line, as workers object

to what they see as intimidation by anti-shale gas protesters.

Hundreds brave the terrible weather to see Prince Charles,

as he samples the best of the Ribble Valley.

It is fantastic, it brings people out. It is great for the community,

it is absolutely fantastic. The children taking part

in a mini-schools Olympics. It was an unlikely

working relationship. The father of a boy who died

in the Warrington bombing, Today, Colin Parry told

North West Tonight that who died this morning -

should be respected as a peacemaker. But Colin, whose son Tim

died in the 1993 attack along with Jonathan Ball,

who was three, says he can never He's been talking to our political

editor Nina Warhurst. It is 24 years and one day since

Warrington's heart was ripped out by a double bomb attack. The IRA took

the lives of two children that abdomen. Three-year-old Johnathan

Ball, and Tim Parry, each 12. Today Tim's father said he does not hate

the IRA leader Martin McGuinness. I reached a point where I like the

man. He came across as a reasonable man. In his early wave -- that may

sound crazy given his early life. The first met in 2001 when Martin

McGuinness sought Colin's permission to visit Warrington. He was then

invited back years later, as a guest speaker in a flourishing centre set

up in memory of his son. People will think it incredible to shower a

platform with the man connected to the organisation that killed your

son. I would agree, but we a peace foundation, so the reputation would

be seriously damaged if I started to cherry pick who would come into the

centre, who would speak to and who would not. What happened in

Warrington disgusted thousands in Ireland, who took to the streets of

Dublin, asking for a piece. Martin McGuinness later condemned the

attack, and many see this as a pivotal moment in the demise of

public support for the IRA. Clearly this is something that cannot be

supported, that the deaths of two children. I have four children

myself, and if that happened to one of my children, that would have had

a very profound and deep impact on me as a father. Do you feel you'd

expect? Yes. I wouldn't have respected him when he was actively

attacking Armed Forces and police officers. So you can accept the

person he was. Can you ever forgive him? No. The two can exist

side-by-side, but we have never forgiven the IRA or Martin. Because

they to play something precious from us. Forgiveness would feel like it's

on ratings. -- exonerating them. They didn't know one another

in life, but their deaths became Former soldier Scott Enion travelled

from Greater Manchester to throw himself from a cliff top in Dover

last New Year's Day. But as search teams tried

to locate his body, they stumbled across two others at the foot

of the same cliff. They were a brother

and sister from Cheshire. Today inquests were held into all

three deaths down in Maidstone. Our Chief Reporter

Dave Guest was there. The white cliffs of Dover, where the

bodies of three people from the north-west were found last New

Year's Day. Former soldier was seen plunging 350 feet from the cliff top

that afternoon. And as the search for him got underway, police were

surprised to find the bodies of twins at the foot of the same cliff.

The 59-year-olds had travelled here from their home in Cheshire. Scott

Pinckney and had come down from his home in greater Manchester. The loss

of three lights is tragic by any measure, but the story of the

Burgess twins is especially poignant because when the police searched

their belongings, they discovered that they had been carrying around

the ashes of the late parents in the rucksack. They lived a Private, even

reclusive life, on this caravan park. They were very much

independent people, very quiet. I think they very much kept themselves

to themselves. I really wouldn't recognise them as I saw them. They

would often disappear for weeks on end on walking expeditions, but when

they left ear last December, they never return. Today the coroner,

Patricia Harding, examined their case and that of the former

Fusilier, Scott Enyon, whose death led to the discovery of the deaths.

He was a veteran of the first Gulf War, an experience that left him

emotionally scarred. He also complained of being racially bullied

in the army, and spoke of taking his life in the past. The coroner said

she was satisfied that Scott intended to take his own life, and

recorded a conclusion of suicide. But there was no such certainty

surrounding the deaths of Muriel and Bernard Burgess. No evidence to

suggest they intended to kill themselves. Quite why they were

carrying their late parents' ashes around with them, or how they came

to fall from the clifftop, we will now never know. She recorded open

conclusions on both of them. Greater Manchester Police say

a woman and a child have been left extremely shaken after a gunman

opened fire at a house in Gorton. Officers were called

to the property on Sutton Road just No-one was injured but

detectives have described It's being treated

as a targeted attack. The former Labour and Respect MP

George Galloway has announced he'll stand as an independent candidate

in the upcoming by-election It follows the death

of the long-serving MP, A report has highlighted

unprecedented levels of violence, bullying, sexual assault and drug

misuse at Haverigg The report - by the Independent

Monitoring Board - also criticised treatment

for prisoners with The Government says more

staff have been hired, with the skills to care

for vulnerable offenders. Unsuitable accommodation has been

closed and a robust drugs Earlier I asked Lynn Chambers,

who helped write the report, We're in the prison every week of

the year, and throughout the reporting year we found that they

were unprecedented levels of violence and bullying. And illicit

drug-taking. And that led to self harm. So, for a period of time

throughout the last year, the prison, in our view was unsafe, and

safer prisoners and also for staff. Some of the accommodation that was

closed as a consequence of the changes that took place in October,

that has been something that has been said by -- fed back before. We

said it again this year. What do you say about the fact that for the last

few years they did not take a blind bit of notice about what you said? I

do not think that is strictly true. Three out of the seven blocks closed

in October, and the operational capacity of the prison, the number

of prisoners in the prison, reduced to half that number. Said it is just

short of 300 prisoners, and there were around 600 or more. -- so, it

is just short. One of the things tucked away in your report this year

is the unsuitability of the high escape risk, which suggests

high-risk prisoners should not be in a prison where prisoners are being

prepared for release. I do not think anybody locally need be alarmed by

that statement. It is more the fact that it is important that the

prisoners who come here, it is the right time and their sentence to

derive the most benefits and hopefully to be released and not

reoffend. Thank you very much indeed for your time.

The RMT union's been accused of sinking to a new low

after announcing its latest strike will take place

Thousands of racegoers are expected to be affected in the industrial

action by union members of both Merseyrail and Northern

It's due to the ongoing dispute over plans to introduce

John Tilley from the RMT union joins us now.

Merseyrail say you're damaging the whole of the Liverpool city

They say you have deliberately chosen this day. Haven't you? It is

that kind of provocative talk that led to the backlash from our members

yesterday and today. And it is our members that they three depots that

decided this is the day they want to take action. We attempted to attend

peace talks yesterday and we were met with was hostility from the

employer and no intention whatsoever to talk about the issues at the

heart of the dispute, which is why the action will bring forward

everyone's focus that this needs to be a serious set of discussions

about how we resolve the dispute going forward. It is a provocative

counterattack from yourselves, to choose this particular day. And as

Merseyrail say, it should be one of Liverpool's proudest days? Our

members work at the Grand National of the year, and what we know, it is

essential you have a guard on no strings, and that is what this

dispute is about. We're about defending our red Line of safety on

trains. Sorry to interrupt, we understand the arguments, but why

choose this particular day? Because that is what the members at the

three depots of Merseyrail, that is what they decided to do because they

are fed up in being treated in the way they have been for the past 24

hours by their employer, who shows complete contempt for the union and

staff. But are you not showing contempt for the racecourse, the

passengers coming to this fantastic event that gives the region so much

money? It gives us three weeks, another window of opportunity, and

my message to Merseyrail and all the other partners involved in this is

known as the time to talk serious about resolving the dispute and

maintaining safety on the new trains, then there does not have to

be industrial action on any date. Thank you very much indeed.

Local businesses in Lancashire are asking the police and the courts

to do all they can to protect companies supplying materials

The so called pop-up blockades have been taking place at a handful

of businesses in the region - but one national group is asking

Quadrille assays two contractors has already pulled out of working at the

site. -- Cuadrilla. The fight against fracking is escalating. This

footage was taken yesterday. They are blocking the gates of a company

-- the company in Bolton and filming their employees. When vehicles

arrive at the site on Preston new road, another attempt at a blockade.

It is tactics like this being condemned by some local businesses

and the GMB union. They are asking the police and the courts to take

firm action against anyone targeting suppliers, as an anti-fracking grip

is threatening to target more businesses next week. It is not

impacting our ability to do work, but unfortunately it is impacting

business with local suppliers, because they are most at risk of

this. This man has set up CCTV cameras at Cuadrilla's site. His

phone number is on the side of his van. I have had abuse, messages on

my phone, I have had e-mailed messages, all saying the same thing

basically, please stop working for Cuadrilla. I was bullied at school,

I do not like the idea of bullying in any shape, and I will not put up

with that. Campaigners say it is not just about fracking, it is about

protecting democracy. The county council voted no to fracking here,

and targeting suppliers will get the message across. It does not matter

very much to me who does those blockades, as long as they take

place. And as long as the people who are still asleep have their eyes

opened and are able to see the true. Bob showed me a camp being set up by

protesters near to the site. Here is more of a secure area, hence the

gates. There are a dozen tents over the. If their local people here?

Quite a lot, yes. The campaigners say it is not just a local issue.

They want to put the end to fracking across the country. The fight here

in Lancashire gets more intense. Still to come on

North West Tonight. A warm welcome for the Prince of

Wales in the Ribble Valley, despite the hailstones. And curriculum

sports are back on the -- Winter sports are back on the curriculum.

In May, voters in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region

will go to the polls to elect what have become known

What if the big issues they will face?

We're starting by lifting the bonnet on the Liverpool City region

with the help of a Merseyside mechanic.

Six large and diverse metropolitan authorities -

Above all, the new metromayor's role will be to create consensus.

The think tank The Centre For Cities has identified three priorities

I have been in the motoring industry for 13 years and have seen the

workforce harder and harder to find skilled people. The metromayor would

improve finding a way of helping the situation. It is something Caroline

Kingsley has spotted, as head of one of Liverpool's biggest recruitment

specialist. We have struggled to attract the kind of skill we are

looking for. We have expanded our operation to attract the talent we

need. If Caroline's struggling to attract

staff with the right skills. What can the incoming

Metromayor do to help? It has been an ambassador for

apprenticeships, making sure the quality is they are. The metromayor

is being encouraged to improve schooling across the region.

School performance varies widely across the Liverpool City region.

It is about giving the right resources and identifying the right

things to make a difference to improve learning, outcomes for young

people and opportunities as they go forward. We would welcome someone

who sees that as a role. Improving the network and the local area. --

bus network. The Centre For Cities says it's

crucial for families in the region's far-flung towns and villages to get

to jobs and help them With clients we work with, who have

perhaps offices and business parks and needs workers with lower skill

levels, they struggled to attract candidates. We need to connect all

the things in a relatively short distance. Next thing we will look at

the three issues the Manchester metromayor might have to deal with,

including congestion charge. I think we will be speaking a lot about

metromayors in the next few weeks. Today the Prince of Wales was in

Lancashire trying some local produce ahead of a food fair. The crowds

were out in force to greet the royal party, despite the weather. A bit of

wind and rain was not going to put them. As the saying goes, Hail to

the King. But perhaps the error to the throne was not expecting this

weather. Despite the frequent showers, the Prince of Wales was

given the warmest of welcomes on his visit. The people have really put

their arms around him and made him welcome. Prince Charles was here to

taste the best of the Ribble Valley food. First up was and award-winning

wine producer. There are a lot of bottle Steve! Next, an organic farm.

We went to pick daffodils for the Prince. What did you think of him?

He is really nice. He is kind. I was excited to meet him. The area was

devastated by foot and mouth in 2001. Livestock was slaughtered and

burned on to seven farms, while quarantine meant thousands of

non-infective animals could not be moved or sold. The way the Ribble

Valley food Trail helped a bidding bounce back and put the Ribble

Valley on the nation's food map, it has been a real success story. The

crowds followed as he dropped into the famous sausage shop, which

stocks more than 70 varieties of sausage. Here, he was offered a

specially prepared Prince of Wales combination. He settled on the Duke

of Lancaster's regimental sausage. Those are very good. Can I tried?

Thank you. A really nice guy, let us all IT is. Nice talking to him. The

Prince left with a handful of delicacies to remind him of his

memorable visit to Lancashire. 70 varieties of sausage? Line I wonder

how many he got to take home? Listeners have taken over

the airwaves on BBC Radio Members of the public were invited

to apply to present and produce programmes or report

for the radio and online. 100 were selected and they've been

telling stories of their choice and giving a voice to different

communities around BBC radio Manchester. Jackie is a

busy community worker from Old Trafford, but she does not usually

start the day by broadcasting to a quarter of a million people. If you

were to look at those charts at the moment, what would be your weather

forecast? I have got a headache. This week she got a taste of what it

is like to call present the breakfast show. For the first few

minutes, you do not want to go and mess it up, but they made me feel so

relaxed. It was brilliant. Welcome to our show. You're listening to BBC

Manchester, I am Annie. 100 volunteers were given training in

every aspect of local radio. These volunteers will bring different

stories, different viewpoints, different news. We're going to send

different. I was interested in what goes on behind the scenes. I did not

know so much went into getting stuff organised like this. You have to get

up at mad times in the morning. There is a lot that goes into it.

For some, it has been a chance to shower a very personal stories.

Isaac told us he was keen to break down misconceptions when it comes to

homelessness, as he previously lived in a car outside Asda in Oldham,

which is where he is now. Isaac took over the radio car this morning,

returning to a place that holds difficult memories for him. He did

not want to appear on camera. Financial problems, literally

overnight becoming homeless. I would get up in my car, I would then go to

McDonald's to have my breakfast and have a wash, and from there I used

to go to work. This event continues until Friday.

We're well used to hearing about the region s famous sporting

stars but today was a chance for stars of the future to show

Hundreds of young people have been competing in many different sports

in many different venues as part of the Greater Manchester

Organisers say they want to revive competitive sport in schools,

There's a saying that it's not the winning

but the taking part that counts - though try telling that

Yes, 2000 children, and 15 different sports. And the reporter hoping he

does not get hit by a hockey ball. Like all big sporting events

the Greater Manchester Schools Winter Games had some big

name sporting stars. Oldham's Nicola White -

an Olympic Gold medallist It takes me out the bubble and takes

me back to where the journey started for me. It is so warned that the

Silver has started to come through underneath. I love showing at

around. Which is just as well,

because everybody wants to see it. I touched it, and we have been

winning since! You didn't touch it? Over on the rugby pitch, more medal

winners. We won the match. It feels really good. The games came around

just before the 2012 London Olympics, and today we are trying to

replicate that festival spirit and equalities sport can bring. Children

really do get excited about it. It is very competitive! Have you

taken the lead? Yes, we have won all our matches. Are you going for a

medal? Hopefully. Keep in the zone. Advice which was of course,

of little benefit to anyone. Ian Haslam, BBC North West

Tonight, Manchester. Oh, dear! The weather was good as

well. For some people, not everyone. Pretty wintry conditions. We spoke

about them coming last night, and yes, they arrived. There we go, a

light covering of snow. There was a light covering of hail and snow. If

not, you might have had some warm spells of sunshine. If the wind is

light and you're sheltered, it does not feel bad at all. But we're still

cold, which is the story through the next couple of days towards the

weekend. Things will definitely change, temperatures will rise and

things will settle down. Tonight we have low pressure crossing us, and

there is a recipe for sweet and snow. Mainly across the hills in

Lancashire, up into Cumbria. The rest of us are not under bad warming

but you could see a light dusting in places. A few showers still around,

dying away for a while, but you can see them moving in. Over high-level

areas that could be a light dusting of snow. It is the places we would

normally see it lying on the grass. We do not expect too much on the

roads, but there could be a like amount in places. The grass is very

cold, the roads will hold onto the temperatures when the sun is out. It

should not last long in the morning. Temperatures overnight two, three,

four. Here we go with a line of rain. If you're not seeing wintry

weather, we will all see the rain. This will become a bigger problem

tomorrow because it will keep on coming. The ground is already... The

numbers are poor, six or 7 degrees. It may take something to get of it,

but brighter skies will come through. I want to say bless you to

my PA, who sneezed in my ear. Bless you!

I think you got an extra glimpse of this in the middle of one of these

reports. Thank you for joining a sex?

We have seen enough of you!