GRIEF is one of the hardest experiences anyone has to endure. Coping with the loss of a loved one is always going to be tough - and even more so if the inquest into their death is delayed.

The funeral may well have already been held, but without the inquest there is no chance for what is now called "closure".

Until the legal procedures have been completed, it is difficult for the surviving relatives to begin the long process of renewal.

A year ago, the Evening Press reported that numerous inquests were waiting to be heard in York. We also reported that the Coroner, David Coverdale, was tackling the backlog. We return to this worrying matter today with less than encouraging news.

Eileen Sanderson is still waiting for the inquest to be held into the death of her husband, Jeffrey, who died last June. Mr Sanderson worked for 37 years at York Carriageworks and died of an illness related to asbestos, after enduring a long and painful collapse.

The complication in this case appears to lie in a short period when Mr Sanderson worked for another employer, before embarking on his career with York Carriageworks.

Whatever the explanation, the long wait for this inquest is difficult to endure for Mrs Sanderson. After a nightmare year during which she had to watch her husband's painful and protracted death, she now finds herself trapped in an emotional no-man's land, unable to move forward until the inquest is held.

Because Mr Sanderson's medical condition has never been in dispute, the delay is especially difficult to explain. The sooner his inquest can be held, the better for his widow, his family and all those who knew him.

If the process of inquiry in York is indeed particularly slow, it is vital that inquests should be speeded up and that grieving relatives should not be left waiting for this final seal on their loss.

Updated: 11:50 Monday, April 07, 2003