A team of conflict resolution experts who have worked in war zones across the globe are to tackle disputes in Sussex.

Olufemi Hughes, the organiser of workshop called Alternatives To Us And Them, says although the area is no Baghdad, it does have its fair share of clashes.

The experts belong to Community Dialogue For Change and trainers Arlene and Jean Claude Audergon have used the techniques to break down barriers between Serbs and Croats in Bosnia, Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East and Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. Now they are turning their attention to the mean streets of Brighton and Hove.

Ms Hughes said: “We pride ourselves on being a diverse, cosmopolitan, minorityfriendly city but when it comes to sensitive areas like housing, jobs and use of social facilities, people can feel less than welcoming towards a minority group.

“An us-and-them situation can easily develop. Just two years ago, plans for a community centre for black and ethnic minorities in Portslade had to be abandoned because of opposition in the neighbourhood, a GP surgery for homeless people in Worthing and an induction centre for asylum seekers in Saltdean were similarly prevented.

“In each situation, the conflict had escalated to the point where the two parties were completely polarised and the minority group was completely excluded. Had the dispute been handled differently, an outcome that favoured both parties, or at least built some understanding and recognition of common ground, could have been reached.”

Community Dialogue For Change will demonstrate its “world work” approach to conflict resolution at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, on October 10 and 11.

Ms Hughes, a community development worker from Brighton, said of the group’s work: “It’s essential to hear all viewpoints or feelings on all the sides, even those we dislike, if we are to go deeper and explore the real fears.”

The two-day workshop costs £100 to £140 but bursaries are available.

Call Ms Hughes on 01273 323524.