Learning to Love Thy Neighbour

The shrill sound of neighbourly arguments may be heard fading to a whisper with the advent of a new mediation centre.

Taking a leaf from one of the U.K.'s most established centres in Southwark, the Carshalton centre is offering advice and hands-on guidance to Sutton and Merton residents.

Mediators, based at Middleton Road, are settling neighbourhood disputes over everything from noise and boundaries to racism and homophobia.
Harriet Bailey, co-ordinator, said: "The Mediators make sure everyone agrees to the ground rules and that the discussion is constructive."

The centre can act on referrals from housing officers, neighbourhood wardens, police, and anti-social behavior workers.

For more information on becoming a voluteer mediator and the scheme in general, call 0208 545 3499.