DARWEN'S prospective parliamentary Tory candidate, Nigel Adams, today endorsed calls to review family law and give divorced parents greater rights of access to their children.

Mr Adams said: "When relationships break up, too many children become unfairly cut off from one of their parents, as well as grandparents and other close relatives.

"The current legal system isn't working, trapping many families for years in the courts running up massive legal bills"

The Conservatives' three-point plan states:

There should be a strong presumption in favour of equal rights for parents to have an influence on the upbringing of their children.

Mediation should as far as possible always be the first step and taking matters to court should be the last resort for parents who separate.

The procedures and powers of the family courts should be much more open and fair.

Mr Adams added: "The current system is hugely expensive, inefficient, unfair, insensitive and often, fairly chaotic.

"All this causes resentment, frustration and anger in families in Darwen.

"I believe there should be a presumption that the extended family has a crucial role to play in the upbringing of children."