Fathers launch next stage in fight

A Campaign group for fathers' rights, which made its name with high-profile stunts, is kick-starting its work with a meeting in Bristol.Fathers4Justice (F4J) will be re-launching its fight for equal rights for fathers later this month - and say it will come back "bigger and better".

The campaign group gained worldwide publicity after four members scaled the tower of the Clifton Suspension Bridge three years ago dressed as superheroes.Members went on to take part in similar protests at Buckingham Palace, the Big Brother House and court buildings.Fathers4Justice took a break from direct action for more than a year after founder

Matt O'Connor disbanded the group following allegations of a plot to kidnap the Prime Minister's son, Leo.

A breakaway group, the Real Fathers 4 Justice, had been set up six months earlier when rows were sparked within the original organisation over donations. Jason Hatch and Dave Pyke, who were involved in many of the superhero protests, were forced out and key Bristol members Jeff Skinner and Chris Hawkins resigned as a result.Differences have now been smoothed over and many of the members from the group's heyday will be returning for the first meeting at The Beaufort Hunt Pub, Downend Road, Downend on February 28 (7.30pm)

Fathers4Justice has found that 12 months away from active protests has done nothing to change the family law system they see as unfair. They are now out to "finish what they started" with new ideas and new members.

Mr Skinner said: "One of the things directed at F4J was that, while we were doing stunts and direct action, nothing would happen. We were told 'stop doing it and something will happen'."But nothing changed in the legal sense in the 12 months F4J had off.

Family courts are still secret - even a terrorist gets better rights than fathers. The court system is still providing lots of angry dads."We are going to come back bigger and better, stronger and a little more aware what we need to do than we were before."Anyone wanting to attend the February 28 meeting is asked to contact Mr Skinner on 07973 273 334 or send an email to mailto:office@fathers-4-justice.org.