Neigbours can now get help to sort out their disputes (From Warrington Guardian)

Neigbours can now get help to sort out their disputes

FLARING tempers between battling neighbours in Crewe and Nantwich can now be cooled by a pioneering new mediation scheme.

The free and confidential initiative has been launched by the Crewe and Nantwich Safer Communities Partnership following a successful pilot project.

The scheme will be run by the area's Community Development Team, which will help resolve disputes and improve the quality of life between community conflicts.

Amongst the issues to be resolved by the team will be anti-social behaviour, unacceptable noise, boundary and parking disputes and nuisance behaviour from youths.

The initiative aims to prevent situations escalating to the point where the police and eventually the courts become involved.

The service is open to any resident in Crewe and Nantwich and once all parties agree to enter into mediation a seven-stage process begins, aiming to achieve a final resolution usually within two weeks.

The mediators interview participants separately in the first instance to gain an understanding of the issues and concerns for each party.

Then a neutral venue, often a hotel, is agreed for a meeting to seek a fair and workable agreement.

Locations that are perceived as threatening or imposing such as a police station or council offices are never used.

If required, the mediation service can arrange for childcare to be provided at no cost.

Normally, disputing parties should be willing to resolve the conflict and enter mediation together although in special circumstances a 'shuttle' service is available.

This happens when one party feels too uncomfortable to be in the presence of the other neighbour and mediators will agree to talk with participants separately.

For more information on the service people can call the mediation helpline direct on 01273 537787.