Proof Britain is full of good neighbours

BRITAIN’S community spirit is thriving, according to a study.

Three- quarters of those questioned said a neighbour had helped them in some way.

Two- thirds believe neighbourly spirit is alive and well. And one in 10 said his or her neighbourhood had become a kinder place over the past decade.

Many said old- fashioned values were the most important. Signing for packages, sharing bins, feeding pets and being on hand to lend a cup of sugar all rated higher than getting access to a neighbour’s wifi code. Helping to move furniture was also deemed a top neighbourly pursuit.

The poll of 1,500 Britons was carried out by AXA Insurance to celebrate its Home Heroes competition.

More than half of those surveyed said they had friendly neighbours.

Most said that their neighbours keeping a watchful eye on their homes when they are not there was the most important “home hero” quality.

Signing for parcels came second, followed by keeping an eye on pets while on holiday.

But being kept awake rated as the worst neighbourly behaviour, followed by using bins without permission.

Blocking the driveway was rated the third highest annoyance, followed by parking in someone else’s space.

Letting a pet mess in the garden was the fifth worst grievance.