Neighbourliness in decline finds study

While many people feel that having a neighbour looking out for them is one of the best forms of insurance around, it seems that neighbourly feeling is on the wane in the UK, according to new research.

The study from Churchill Home Insurance found that traditional neighbourly activities such as babysitting each other's children and keeping an eye on each other's properties are becoming increasingly rare.

Despite more than 90 per cent of Britons regarding themselves as good neighbours, 83 per cent say that they would ignore their neighbour's car alarm and 72 per cent would ignore a neighbour's burglar alarm.

Meanwhile, almost half do not keep an eye on their neighbour's property when they are on holiday.

That many Britons yearn for the good old days of friendly neighbours was reflected in the 55 per cent of respondents who wish their street was more neighbourly and the 80 per cent who say they would feel more secure if they knew their neighbours.

Head of Churchill Home Insurance Martin Scott said: "Our research clearly shows that social trends such as longer working hours and commuting longer distances, people moving home more frequently and families enjoying more sedentary leisure activities within the home can affect the relationships that we hold with our neighbours."

© See Terms and Conditions