Feuding neighbours encouraged to talk (From Surrey Comet)

Feuding neighbours encouraged to talk

7:40am Saturday 11th February 2012 in Kingston By David Lindsell

Warring neighbours who get mad over parking spaces, or go red over noisy radios or pets, are being encouraged to talk about it together instead of getting violent and calling police.

A new free mediation service is being offered to families in dispute by Kingston University and the Metropolitan Police.

Trevor Quy, police liaison co-ordinator, said: "We know other disputes are simply tolerated, but can cause problems for a long time. A colleague of mine recently dealt with one dispute that lasted nine years.

“Sometimes the situation is intolerable, creating personal stress, and I am pleased Kingston University and the police can now offer a potential way out.”

Pamela Sellman, a law lecturer behind the initiative, said: “We aim to ensure a safe, non-threatening environment where each person can have an open and honest dialogue with the other people present.”

Mediators meet each party separately and then arrange a joint meeting lasting up to two hours, but they do not take sides or suggest solutions.

The service can be accessed by emailing kumediation@met.police.uk or calling 020 8247 4906.