Quarrelling neighbours have been seeking help in droves for solutions to their differences.

They have found lots of use for the Maldon District Mediation Service, which was set up nearly four years ago.

Now the service, involving 16 fully-trained mediators operating from a suite at the Heybridge Business Centre, looks forward to developing into the workplace and areas of peer mediation and homelessness.

Nearly 140 neighbourhood disputes have been resolved in an "impartial and non-judgemental way" since the service came to Maldon district in October, 1999, said newly-appointed co-ordinator David Fairweather.

Mr Fairweather, who joined the service in May, is now seeking funding to maintain and develop it into 2004 and beyond.

Any Maldon district resident needing help with a neighbourhood dispute can gain access to the free, confidential service by telephone on 01621 840344

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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