Signs of a good neighbour revealed – and it’s all about the little things

A STUDY has revealed the things you can do to be a good neighbour, and why it’s more important to people now than before Covid.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed watering plants and giving advance warning of a party are among the top 30 signs next-door is decent.

Classic signs of good neighbour material was found to include taking the bins in, accepting deliveries and keeping an eye on the property when the owners are on holiday.

Small gestures like offering to help with DIY and gardening tasks, assisting with carrying in shopping bags and being a good listener if a neighbour is opening up to them also featured in the list.

Interestingly, 77 per cent believe their street has some good neighbours, while a confident 92 per cent feel they are personally a great person to live next to.

One in five believe the pandemic helped bring them closer to their neighbours, with 18 per cent now more invested in their community than ever before.

The research, commissioned by Warburtons, found Brits now say "hello" or similar to people on their street almost every day.

It also emerged 14 per cent are happier to open up to others in their community since the pandemic, with 25 per cent turning to their neighbours to discuss the rising cost of living.

Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons, said: “Today’s survey leaves no doubt that community and family values remain more important than ever to people across the country.

“We know how difficult the past two years have been for communities and that right now, in many ways, things aren’t getting any easier.

“However, it’s encouraging to see from our research that the little things can help make a difference, from taking out the bins to saying a simple hello to your neighbours."

One in six have given or received advice with their neighbours when it comes to saving money, with 26 per cent relying on them more than ever for help during the ongoing cost of living crisis.