Everybody needs good neighbours? One in 20 have never spoken to theirs

MILLIONS of adults have only ever exchanged quick greetings with their neighbour – with one in 20 never speaking to them.

A poll of 2,000 Brits found despite living in close proximity to the same people for years, just 49 per cent know their neighbour’s name.

And 23% admitted they call their neighbour “mate” as a result, while a fifth have only said a quick hello and nothing more.

It also emerged it takes an average of three years to properly get to know your neighbours, but thanks to lockdown, 38% feel they are closer than before.

Having low fences and walls in the garden, and both having children or a dog were among the things that can help you get to know your neighbours.

Since the pandemic, 48% of adults think a sense of community is especially important for children, 43% also believing it’s good for themselves.

A spokespman for the children’s charity Action for Children, which commissioned the study, said: “Now more than ever it’s so important to share a sense of community with those around you.

“It makes a real difference if neighbours can look out for each other when needed.

“We work in communities across the UK and know that this support has a hugely positive impact on someone’s wellbeing – especially in these tough times.

“If you’re not close with your neighbours then it might just be worth reaching out and trying to make that connection.

“Whether it is getting their bins in or simply making small talk – every little helps to build up that all important relationship.”

Of those who do know their neighbours, 23% would class them as really good friends and know everything from their name and family members, to their hobbies and where they like to go on holiday.

If you watch your neighbour’s house while they are away, you can also class this as a sign you know them really well.

Other indicators of a close relationship include watering each other’s plants or borrowing things off them.

The study, carried out via Onepoll, also found 49% like getting involved in their community.

The spokesman for Action for Children added: “Many neighbours will be coming together soon to celebrate the Jubilee which will be wonderful, but we hope that they can extend that sense of community for more than one weekend.

“We’ve teamed up with Iceland as part of June’s Big Jubilee Lunch celebration and want everyone to come together and host a Big Lunch any time next month.

“If in doing so, you can also raise money for Action for Children, you’ll be helping us to help others so that more children across the UK can have a safe and happy childhood.”

Top things enabling better neighbourhood relations include low fences to allow chats, having children or dogs and having similar interests.