A SERVICE that helps resolve neighbourhood disputes is preparing to celebrate a successful first year in operation.

The East Durham Mediation Service works alongside Easington District Council and the police to resolve disputes between neighbours, without having to resort to the legal system.

At the end of its first 12 months, the service has been involved with 30 individual cases that have centred on issues about property, parking, noise, ball games and general behaviour.

While a number of the cases are ongoing, the service has helped to resolve 14 cases and led to two parties resolving the issues themselves.

To mark its first anniversary, the service is to hold an event today at the Robin Todd Centre, in South Hetton.

It will include presentations by mediator Joy Howells, project manager Elaine Williams, Sergeant Dave Young from the anti-social behaviour unit (County Durham) and Andy Bailey from the anti-social behaviour unit (District of Easington).

There will also be a presentation by a number of people who have accessed the service, exploring the issues facing them and how the service helped resolve them.

Ms Williams said: "Mediation has proved to be an excellent service in the District of Easington. In brief, it has reduced the number of nuisance calls to the police and council, improved relationships in local communities and particularly between specific families.

"Overall, this has brought harmony instead of disharmony, settled communities as opposed to displacement and promoted social inclusion instead of exclusion.''