21st November 2025
Concerns have been raised in Bolton after an elderly grandmother reported being denied contact with her young grandson, despite multiple attempts to communicate with the relevant local authority.
Family members say the woman, who is in poor health and awaiting major shoulder surgery, has now made three separate requests for contact or a formal response, but has allegedly received no acknowledgement. According to the family, the grandmother has been significantly affected by the separation, having spent many years closely involved in her grandson’s life.
“This situation is causing her real distress,” a relative told the Romiley Gazette. “She’s elderly, she’s vulnerable, and this prolonged silence is causing her emotional harm. She simply wants to see her grandson again.”
The family further alleges that the decision to restrict contact has been made without clear explanation or reference to legislation. They argue that the grandmother poses no risk, given her limited mobility and longstanding positive relationship with the child.
“This isn’t protection,” the relative added. “It feels like unnecessary obstruction, and it denies both the child and the wider family the connection they’re entitled to.”
The concerns follow a recent Ofsted report highlighting difficulties across some local authorities regarding the maintenance of children’s relationships with extended family members while in care. The family believes this case exemplifies those issues, citing a lack of communication, clarity, and transparency.
They are now calling for a formal response from the authority involved and urging officials to “do the right thing” by reconsidering the contact arrangements.
The local authority had not responded to a request for comment at the time of going to press.
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