A COMMUNITY scheme that gives victims of crime and anti-social behaviour the chance to meet offenders face to face and resolve their issues is to mark its first year with a special event.

The Darlington Neighbourhood Resolution scheme was founded by Durham Police and Darlington Borough Council, using trained volunteers to help residents tackle low-levels problems blighting their lives.

The scheme has been recognised nationally for its work and will celebrate its first year with an event to hear the stories of some of the people who have successfully used the service.

Statistics from the first year show volunteers worked on 80 cases involving 260 people, with victims reporting that the situation was resolved or significantly improved in 92 per cent of cases.

The perpetrator went on to reoffend in 11 per cent of cases.

Restorative justice is used alongside formal sanctions and prosecutions, or as an alternative means of dealing with a case when suitable, and allows victims and the wider community to have their say on how an offence should be dealt with.

Volunteer Stephen Twist said: “Letting go of a damaging conflict can be really empowering for the parties, freeing them to get on with their lives. The process is fascinating and rarely fails.”

One of the cases highlighted by the scheme is that of ‘Mrs L’, an elderly woman, who was referred to the scheme after becoming the frequent target of abuse and intimidation from a neighbour when he was drunk.

After meeting him with two volunteers in a neutral place to explain her fears, the neighbour gave an apology and a promise to curb his drinking, with no repeat of his behaviour in 12 months.

Councillor Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “I have seen this scheme grow from strength to strength and I am delighted with the success it has achieved in such a short time.

“Special thanks must go to the volunteers who have devoted hours of their time to ensure that members of their own community feel safe and protected and that practical resolutions to often difficult situations are found.”

The anniversary event on Thursday will feature a special graduation ceremony for 25 new volunteers who have joined the team after completing an eight week training programme.

Guest speakers will include Durham’s Chief Constable Michael Barton, Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, Cllr Dixon and Chief Superintendent Graham Hall.