THE chief executive of a charity set up in memory of the Warrington bombing victims has hit back at claims there is a lack of long-term support for victims of terror.

Nick Taylor, from The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation, has disputed comments published in the national media that there is no support or help available to those whose lives are affected by the devastating events of a terrorist attack.

This follows the publication of a survey by Survivors Against Terror, who asked 300 people their views on the support they received.

Mr Taylor said: "We welcome the fact that terrorism survivors are making their views heard, but are disappointed with some comments in the media that no support or help is available.

“The Peace Foundation provides a unique free service to everyone in the United Kingdom that may have been affected by terrorism regardless of age, location, incident or impact.

“There is a misconception that following such an incident that people become ill and suffer from conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"This happens rarely and most people are resilient and cope and achieve some form of recovery.

“However, people do need contact and support and possibly some clinical help.

"The Peace Foundation provides health and wellbeing, welfare and social support and we urge anyone affected by terrorism to contact us and we will provide confidential help and advice.”

In 1995, the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation was founded by Colin and Wendy Parry, whose son Tim was killed in the bombing in Bridge Street 25 years ago.

Over the years, the charity has evolved, enabling the team to support more victims of terror and their families.

The foundation's Survivors Assistance Network (SAN) is a free service available to British residents who have been affected by a terror attack, regardless of whether they have been affected as a result of what they have witnessed, the injuries they have sustained or having lost a loved one.

The team is currently supporting people who have been affected by the IRA attacks in the 1980s and 1990s as well as people from London 7/7 and more recent attacks in Tunisia, Paris, Nice, Berlin and Manchester.

If you need support email SAN@foundation4peace.org or call 581240.