Communities in East Lothian struggling to end neighbourhood disputes are being encouraged to try mediation as a free and effective way to find practical and long-lasting solutions.

East Lothian Community Mediation Service is a confidential and free service that works with people involved in disputes to find practical solutions that will be accepted by all parties. Noise, abusive behaviour, boundary issues and common areas, parking and pets are just some of the problems commonly resolved by mediation. Issues can range from minor disagreements to serious long-running disputes.

The service has six part-time members of staff, supported by a pool of trained volunteers and typically deals with around 80 referrals a year. Due to recent publicity surrounding the county’s dedicated Antisocial Behaviour helpline and email address, and the creation of a dedicated ASB team within East Lothian Council referring people to the service, this number is expected to rise. Mediation works with people across the area who are experiencing conflict to help them resolve their difficulties in an appropriate way.

Lesley Fairley from the Community Mediation Service said: “We’re seeing a real change in people’s perceptions about how best to sort out their difficulties. For many neighbours in dispute, formal solutions are not always the most appropriate way forward. Mediation, on the other hand, adapts to their situation. By working with all the parties we are uniquely placed to help them find a practical solution to their problems. The key is to put people first.”

Trained mediators work with tenants, residents and relevant organisations to get to the root of the problem. By encouraging groups to talk to one another, and understand the impact that such problems have, they can begin to explore positive solutions that will work in practice and – crucially – that everyone agrees to. The East Lothian Community Mediation service is funded by East Lothian Council and managed by Sacro, Scotland’s leading community justice organisation.

Cabinet member for Community Services, Cllr Stuart Currie, said: “The great strength of mediation is that it works within the community to find acceptable and long-lasting solutions. We accept that it won’t suit every situation but for certain disputes it can be the solution they’re looking for. Just as there’s never one solution, it’s important that there’s lots of different ways for people to deal with the problems that they are facing.”

Notes to Editors:
East Lothian Community Mediation Service is based at 18 Bridge Street, Musselburgh EH21 6AG. Telephone: 0131 653 3421.

Sacro is Scotland’s leading community justice organisation. For more information visit www.sacro.org.uk

Communities in East Lothian can report incidents of antisocial behaviour to a dedicated telephone helpline and email address. A call to 0845 601 8518 or email asb@eastlothian.gov.uk is an easy, safe and effective way to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area. The helpline is run by East Lothian Council working in partnership with Lothian and Borders Police, East Lothian Housing Association, Homes for Life and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service.

Press release issued: 11 January 2008