Justin Webb (Batman) and Lee Tierney (Robin) in a roof-top protest Picture Ref: 76963-30CAMPAIGNERS for fathers' rights staged a roof-top protest in Swindon.

Dressed as Batman and Robin, they climbed on top of a house in Rodbourne Cheney in a bid to highlight the issue of family law.

Dad Justin Webb, 32, of Ferndale, who braved the elements in a Batman costume, was joined by fellow father Lee Tierney, 27, from Cheney Manor, who was dressed as Robin.

Mr Webb, who works for BMW Mini at the Cowley plant in Oxford, spent yesterday afternoon on the roof of his former marital home in Somerset Road.

He has been separated from his wife for eight months and is trying to gain more access to his nine-year-old daughter and six-year-old son.

He said: "We're here to protest about the unfair treatment towards estranged fathers and the lack of access to their children.

"Initially I was seeing my children regularly, subject to my wife's approval.

"Things were getting heated and the kids were getting confused so I walked away for a bit.

"Now I want to see my kids again. The only way I can do it is through solicitors.

"I am financially supporting my children with an agreed sum determined by Swindon County Court and cannot understand why I'm being denied access.

"There are a lot of people in this situation, and we are powerless."

Mr Tierney, a plant operator, has two sons aged five and one.

He said: "Three years ago I wasn't allowed to see my elder son for six months.

"It was a lot of heartache to go through at the time. Recently I went through the same thing again when I was denied access.

"I can see both children now, with regular access. I'm here because I want to help a friend."

Campaign group Fathers For Justice has carried out a series of stunts.

The most high-profile protest to date was in September when Jason Hatch carried out a five-hour protest on the roof of Buckingham Palace.

Dave Andrew