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Dedicated anti-social behaviour mediation service launched
24/07/2024
Its hoped the service will help resolve neighbour and community disputes
A new dedicated anti-social behaviour mediation service has been launched by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner.
Matthew Barber has provided annual funding of £60,000 for the next three years to the organisation Alternatives to Conflict.
They will attempt to offer a solution to problems when statutory agencies, such as the police or local authority, have no route to intervene. It also represents an alternative to court proceedings.
Alternatives to Conflict will help those who are in dispute to reach agreement. People can either self-refer to them or professionals can complete a referral with the individual’s consent.
Mr Barber said: “The aim of the Thames Valley-wide mediation service is to prevent the escalation of anti-social behaviour by making mediation more widely accessible to our communities.
“Mediation helps to resolve neighbour and community disputes that, if left, can escalate and cause significant harm and distress.
“Often these disputes don’t meet the criminal threshold and can’t be resolved by one agency alone. However, we know from pilot programmes in the Thames Valley that engaging in mediation can lead to significant benefits for all parties involved.
“Over the long term, working with Thames Valley Police and our statutory partners to collectively tackle ASB remains a priority. The introduction of a Thames Valley-wide mediation service will strengthen this work by helping to alleviate some of the community issues our frontline teams come into contact with. I hope to see it making a difference.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam