Let's talk about this

In response to Michele Celeste's letter (11 June, page 28), 10 of the last 18 mediations conducted by the Advice, Information and Mediation Service concerned neighbour noise. In each case, the parties were able to propose and agree solutions. Outside the specialised retirement and sheltered housing context within which AIMS operates, many community mediation services mediate successfully on neighbour noise-related problems.

Although inadequate acoustic insulation may be a common cause of neighbour noise conflicts, lifestyle clashes, hearing impairment, mental health and other disability issues are also potential factors. Depending on the circumstances, improved acoustic insulation may be a solution. Others that mediation participants come up with include the installation of noise-monitoring equipment, the use of headphones, confining the use of noisy appliances and equipment to agreed hours, and giving prior warning of noisy events.

The point about mediation is that it is the neighbours themselves – in consultation with the environmental health officer and the landlord – who discuss and agree solutions. Nothing can be imposed on them. Mediation gives all sides the freedom and opportunity to explore solutions without having to assign or accept blame.

If by "justice", Michele Celeste wants councils and social landlords to be blamed as the root cause of noise nuisance, mediation will certainly not be able to help.

On the other hand, if she would like noise sufferers to at least have an opportunity to resolve their problem without having to resort to legal action, mediation should be considered.