| Mediators Mary Robertson and Sue Williamson will be available at the Wellgate Centre from 11 am to 2 pm tomorrow to give information and advice on how mediation can help resolve noise and other neighbour difficulties.
The team helps to resolve disputes in Dundee’s housing estates and has a high success rate when people meet round the table.
During Noise Action Week everybody is encouraged to take a quiet moment to consider how they can reduce the impact of domestic noise on those around them.
Over half of the referrals to the mediation service are noise related.
Service team leader Bob Ballantine said, “Unfortunately, some people find it difficult to talk to their neighbours when problems first start and the situation can blow up out of all proportion.
“We can provide tips on handling noise problems but sometimes mediation is the best approach.
“It is an ideal way for everyone to be able to sit down and talk to each other about what has been going on and then find a practical solution to the problem for the future.”
On Noise Action Day, local authorities and others involved in noise management across the UK are promoting practical solutions to everyday noise problems.
Annual research repeatedly finds that loud music and barking dogs are the most common sources of noise complaint.
The free service offers a neutral, confidential mediation service to help neighbours resolve their problem without the need for legal action.
The city council believes there are around 1200 low-level neighbour complaints in council housing schemes each year which the team can help resolve.
Community mediators work in pairs. They do not solve the problem themselves but bring the two sides together to work out their own solutions for the future.
Referrals to the mediation team come from the housing department, the city council’s anti-social behaviour team, police and neighbours themselves. |
