Nearly half fall out with next door over noise and parking

TWO in five people have fallen out with neighbours over noise, bad parking or barking dogs, a study revealed yesterday.

However, almost a third of people said they get on better with those next door than they did five years ago, according to research by the Co-op.

Homeowners are more likely to complain than those who live in rented accommodation, 2,000 people told the survey.

Two in three had taken in parcels for a neighbour while half were happy to keep an eye on someone’s house when they were away. A similar number know the name of the family they live next door to.

Caroline Hunter, head of home insurance at Co-op, said: “It’s wonderful to see that so many people are helping their neighbours out on a daily basis and many consider to be friends.

“But perhaps there is more we could do to really get to know the people living nearby.

“Increasingly we all lead busier lives and while often we think we are being good neighbours, how well do we really know our neighbours?”

David Huse, chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: “Being a good neighbour has huge benefits and makes your community friendlier and safer too.

“By looking out for your neighbours, watching out for those who are elderly or vulnerable and sharing crime prevention advice you can help keep you and your neighbours safe and your homes secure.” themselves