PROPOSALS to give stronger rights to divorced and separated fathers have been welcomed by members of the charity campaigning for parental equality.

The moves, by Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke, could also boost the influence of grandparents after a split, as part of the reforms of the family justice system.

The key change in the process is the introduction of rules making clearer that it is vital youngsters enjoy "an ongoing relationship with both parents".

Families Need Fathers, which has a branch in Burton, said the Government's proposals marked a clear step forward for private family law in the UK.

Key proposals include the intention to introduce a legislative statement on the importance of children having an ongoing relationship with both parents following separation wherever possible and a desire to strengthen enforcement sanctions where court orders are breached.

Ken Sanderson, chief executive officer of Families Need Fathers, said: "By reinforcing the law's commitment to ensure children benefit from the love and support of both parents, the Government will help to ensure that it is not children who continue to be punished when acrimony between separating parents is played out in the courts.

"This is not a question of equally dividing time but of ensuring that children get to benefit from the full involvement of both parents following family breakdown."

Children's Minister Tim Loughton said the concept of "shared parenting" should not be confused with equal access time. He said granting equal access time to both parents was impractical in most cases and led to longer delays in resolving disputes.

"The most important thing remains the principle that the child's welfare is the paramount consideration," he said.

Ministers also intend to address complaints from grandparents' groups that their needs are often ignored when children's futures were being discussed.