'I’m grieving too but with no support' - Your Letters: January 16

The love of my life passed away peacefully with family around him in November last year. We lived together for 27 years.

If it was not for family I would have not known what to do.

I am writing this letter because I applied for Bereavement Support Payment. I filled the online questionnaire in and was refused because I was not married and have no children.

I disagree with this, if they payout for couples of mixed marriages but not partners.

I have paid my taxes and National Insurance for over 35 years, and due to ill health I finished work.

My point is I’m grieving too but with no support. It's not about the money, it’s the principle of this.

Everyone who grieves for a loved one should have some kind of support.

Because I chose not to get married and I could not conceive and have children I am disqualified from any payment from the bereavement support fund.

This should be raised to a higher level and everyone who loses a loved one should get support.

A certificate of marriage or no certificate does not mean you don't truly love someone. I did not need a certificate to show how much I love and miss him every day, he is the love of my life.

Name and address supplied

RING ROAD MUST GO AHEAD NOW

Ref. Completion of Shrewsbury ring road experienced difficulties and delays driving in and around Shrewsbury. Well things will get much worse over the next few years, with thousands of new homes planned, especially to the east of the town, including Roden and Ironbridge. The answer of course is to give full backing to the completion of the town’s ring road (the NW Relief Road).

The local business chamber recognised the problems ahead and fully backed the scheme 20 years ago, even visiting Parliament to get the go-ahead! A survey today would reveal that a good majority of local people, including small businesses and shops would support the scheme. Too late for the 10 local production companies in Shrewsbury, who have closed their doors, with little prospect of similar firms being attracted to the county town, unless access is improved.

Interesting to note that Martin Selby is concerned about traffic congestion (in Shrewsbury I presume, letters Jan 6). I cannot believe our new Labour MP is against the completion of our so important ring road. Suggestions it will increase traffic pollution cannot be true. Efforts by a minority against the scheme, through the ridiculous Darwin Oak ploy, (he did believe in Evolution), should not prevent the vitally important project, to go ahead asap.

John Edwards, Shrewsbury

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