A MUM-of-four is demanding an inquiry into the work of the Child Support Agency, which she claims, has not helped her track down her ex-husband.

Businesswoman Jo Clarke said she believes the CSA is not willing to become involved as she is not claiming state benefits and there is no financial incentive for the organisation to help.

"They should be investigated," she said.

"The running of the CSA is a joke, and I've had enough."

The 36-year-old, of Hughes Close, Harvington, near Evesham, split from husband Richard Granville in 1995, with whom she had three children Oliver, aged 14, Christopher, now 12, and James aged 10.

She has since had another boy, three-year-old Nathan, from another relationship.

Ms Clarke claimed she has had no help from the CSA since starting her home care business in 1996.

"I have told them where he is and they just don't seem to be interested in getting him to pay what he should. The whole thing is ridiculous."

Now her former husband has left the country and is believed to be living in County Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, where the CSA has no powers to impose payment rules.

CSA spokesman Chris Leach said he could not discuss the intricacies of Ms Clarke's case, but gave a statement.

"Children are at the heart of the Child Support Agency and deserve the support of both parents whether they live together or apart," he said.

"All parents have a duty to provide financially for their children, and as a maintenance collection agency the CSA does everything possible to ensure that parents face up to these responsibilities."

Richard Granville was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.