A SERVICE that helps to defuse rows between neighbours has received a cash boost to help its work.

Mediation Works, formerly Monmouthshire Mediation Works, will use the £1,000 grant from Monmouthshire county council to continue its work in neighbour and community mediation.

Councillor Graham Down, cabinet member for resources and customer services in Monmouthshire, said the council values Mediation Works' experience of dealing with situations where feelings can run high.

He said: "Where there is a dispute then mediation can help stop the disputes becoming overheated and possibly leading into criminal action."

The most high-profile neighbour-dispute case in the county has been that of Elaine Maud Meredith, (pictured) who was jailed for six months in September for terrorising her neighbours in Margretts Way, Caldicot.

The 62-year-old pensioner gouged obscenities in cars and was described as "pure evil" by the police officer who investigated the case.

Newport crown court was told that her record dated back to 1955 - and included threatening to fire-bomb neighbours on Newport's Duffryn estate.

The work of the Mediation Works involves a volunteer mediator encouraging individuals to attend a meeting to discuss a problem and find some common ground - in a bid to nip problems in the bud before they develop into criminal activity.

Diane Callard, the new manager of Mediation Works, said: "Mediation Works offers impartial, confidential and non-judgmental help to people in situations where they are unable to find a solution for themselves. Our aim is to help people to live next door to one another in a peaceful manner."

Councillor Down said the work and experience of the charity was valued by the council and said the Crime and Disorder Partnership had called on the help of the volunteers on many occasions.

He said: "I hope this grant will assist the charity in continuing its good work for the foreseeable future."

The next training course for people who want to become volunteer mediators runs in early November and involves 12, two and a half hour sessions at the Royal Forest of Dean College.

Further details are available from Diane Callard on 01600 712666.