WYCOMBE Mediation Service has been given a £35,000 grant to help it continue its work in the community.

Wycombe District Council's planning, environment and transportation committee agreed the funding, given to the group annually, on Monday.

The mediation service, which has recently expanded to include the area of Chiltern Vale District Council, has trained mediators who explore solutions to suit all.

The service complements the work of other statutory bodies such as the district councils and the police.

Alison Campbell, Wycombe Mediation Service manager, said: "We are delighted to receive this financial contribution which gives recognition to the role of mediation in resolving problems in the community and to the work of volunteer team of mediators."

The mediation service was set up by the district council as a pioneering service and has been providing community mediation facilities since December 1997.

Chairman of the planning, environment and transportation committee Chris Oliver said: "The Wycombe Mediation Service helps individuals find peaceful solutions to disputes with neighbours."

He added: "It prevents people needing to take costly action through the courts which can be daunting and can result in irreparable rifts with neighbours."