Community mediation is designed to help with neighbour problems. Both parties must be willing to take part. An independent mediator will listen to the views of both you and your neighbour to try to help you to reach an agreement or compromise.
Mediation can take the form of a guided discussion, where you and your neighbour meet on neutral ground. Mediation is aimed at reaching a mutual agreement which all parties are happy with, without the need to take expensive and often lengthy court action.
If you are unwilling to meet, the mediators can act as intermediaries, conveying messages between each of the parties.
Your council or another local organisation may operate a free community mediation scheme, but you may also find independent mediators for a fee. For example, free mediation may be available for civil disputes involving sums up to £5,000.
Some courts also have mediation schemes designed to avoid the use of court action, which can be useful for disputes over common repairs.
