SIR: Like Mr Brooks of Farnworth, my son, who absolutely adores his 11-year -old daughter, has maintained her all his life. Since he split with his girlfriend five years ago, he has her two and three times a week, takes her on holiday, and buys any necessary clothes.

Last year his ex-partner lost her job, then all the problems started. The Child Support Agency came up with an objectionable figure of nearly £60 a week - not even taking into consideration any money it cost him to keep his daughter.

His ex-partner filled in a Withdrawal of Authority with immediate effect. They failed to respond within five days and six months later they demanded arrears of over £2,000 for something that is not agreeable.

My son was made redundant last year, but immediately got another job on a one-week contract. He has been recently working with a broken hand so he will not lose this job. He might as well be on the dole as pay the CSA. He works terrible shifts for the money he earns.

The stress has got to him (no wonder) and he is now under medical care. He has sworn that if he loses his job and the quality of life that he had with his daughter before this fiasco, he will sue them with all his strength and determination.

The saddest thing I hear is when my 11- year- old granddaughter cannot understand why daddy is paying £80 a week (after tax and pay the arrears this is being taken from his wages) and that mummy gets only £25.

Grandmother, Bolton

(Name and address supplied)

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