A free mediation service offered by Aberdeenshire Council, in conjunction with an independent charity, is designed to help residents resolve disagreements peacefully and informally.

The Aberdeenshire Community Mediation Service can help local people to resolve problems between neighbours and other groups, relating to a wide range of issues including noise, parking, rubbish, pets, fences and damage to property.

Noise problems are the biggest cause for neighbour complaints which are referred for mediation in Aberdeenshire, followed by antisocial behaviour and property disputes.

The mediation service, established in 2004, is managed by community justice charity Sacro and funded by Aberdeenshire Council’s housing service and the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership.

During 2011/12 the service success rate increased to 88% of all cases which used mediation ending in agreement.

Residents can refer themselves to the service by phoning 01224 560570, or by writing to the Aberdeenshire Community Mediation Service, 110 Crown Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6HJ. For more information on the service visit: www.sacro.org.uk.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work & Housing Committee, Cllr Karen Clark, said: “Mediation is a useful way for neighbours or other groups to have arguments resolved peacefully and without having to resort to more formal measures.

“The mediation service has a high success rate and I would encourage anybody who feels that they need help to resolve a disagreement to get in touch for some free advice and support.”

Committee vice-chair, Cllr Alisan Norrie, said: “Often people caught up in long-running disputes with others in their community can feel like they are on their own. This mediation service is offered to help resolve disagreements as quickly and fairly as possible.”

Sacro service manager, Tracy Mackie, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to resolve neighbour issues in a structured, successful and sustainable way through an independent, accredited service.”

Aberdeenshire Council also offers a service to homeowners and private tenants who witness or experience antisocial behaviour in their community. Specialist Antisocial Behaviour Support officers can provide advice and guidance on a variety of antisocial behaviour issues, such as noisy neighbours, verbal abuse and property damage.

For more information phone the council’s general enquiries number on 08456 081207.