FEUDING neighbours are on the increase in Swindon with arguments over noise, children and anti-social behaviour raging in the town's streets.

Community Mediation Swindon has reported a 100 per cent rise in cases over the past six months, pointing to an alarming new trend.

In some cases tension between neighbours has reached breaking point, with violence becoming increasingly common.

Mediators helping to resolve neighbourly feuds have reported an increase in workloads, with more volunteers needed to keep the service going.

Launched 18 months ago, Community Mediation Swindon has helped scores of families resolve their differences with neighbours.

The number of cases has increased to such an extent Swindon has now got six fully-trained mediators.

The volunteers were awarded with certificates, which were presented at the Civic Offices this week to recognise their completion of a two-month mediation training course.

Martin Couchman, of Community Mediation Swindon said the service was important for the community.

He said: "The certificates mean the volunteers are qualified to go out and talk to neighbours to help them resolve issues.

"Noise, parking and children are among some of the main causes of complaints.

"We deal with the cases where there is no violence. As soon as any violence comes into the dispute the police get involved.

"There is an increasing need for the service in Swindon. In the first 12 months we had 50 cases and over the past six months we had 50 again.

"The aim is to speak to both parties independently and get them meeting together to come up with a joint solution."

Community Mediation Swindon is a registered charity costing £70,000-a-year to run.

Awarded a lottery grant last year, the service will be looking at other ways to drum up funding over the next few months.