UK: Half of Brits can't name their neighbour

“Sorry to bother you, but can I borrow a cup of sugar please?” Not any more! Friendly neighbour relations in the UK have slumped to a serious low, with millions of Brits not even knowing the name of those living right next door to them, new research reveals today.

When once neighbours would chat over the garden fence or come together for street parties, shockingly today, Brits do not love their neighbours:

• More than one in 10 (12%) people admit to going a whole month without speaking to any of their neighbours
• A third of those divulged they have never uttered a word to their neighbours
• 55% of Brits don’t even know the name of their next door neighbour

A study, compiled by Norwich Union Insurance, has exposed an anti-social situation that is set to worsen, as nearly two thirds (64%) of Brits believe people are becoming increasingly less neighbourly.

However, there are invaluable benefits to engaging in good neighbour relations that should not be over-looked:

• 88% of Brits agree that neighbours keeping an eye on their homes whilst they’re away reduces the risk of burglary
• Being able to share good contact details of reputable tradesmen can reduce untold misery when disaster strikes at home
• Parents will always welcome a trustworthy neighbour to baby sit their children
• Being considerate over the level of noise will be reciprocated by a good neighbour

A street of friendly and vigilant neighbours is clearly as valuable as a security guard keeping watch over your home, but whilst protective neighbours come at no cost, 24hr surveillance would set you back in excess of Ł2,500* for just one week alone.

Stereotypically aloof Londoners surpass themselves, as the study reveals they are the most neighbourly region in the UK, but our friends across the border in Wales let themselves down on community spirit and are the least neighbourly region. It’s not always easy to make that first step and surprisingly, nattering Northerners find it harder to break the ice with new neighbours than their steely Southern counterparts.

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman has developed five easy steps to help Brits break the ice with their neighbours and improve community spirit:

1. It’s important not to overwhelm new neighbours, so to prevent appearing like a busybody simply drop a welcome card through their letter box inviting them for a cup of tea or glass of wine rather than inviting yourself into their home
2. Once contact has been made, present them with a house warming gift such as a bottle of wine or a pot plant
3. Appearing helpful but not overbearing is key. If you bump into your new neighbour in the street, fill them in on the area – which trades people are reliable, the best shops and restaurants to visit, where the local doctors and dentists are
4. If a new neighbour invites you to their house warming party, make sure you pop along but don’t stay until the small hours – you could outstay your welcome
5. To reinforce the trust you have built at this stage, offer your neighbour your mobile phone number so they can contact you if they need anything or in cases of emergencies

Dr Aric Sigman explains the slump in the UK’s neighbour relations: “It seems Britons are now paying more attention to the Big Brother house than the one next door to their own. The result is deeper-reaching than just a lack of gossip over the garden fence.

“There was a time when whole streets of people might go on holiday together, but today even asking a neighbour to water the plants while we’re away is something we shy away from. These days we’re more inclined to keep ourselves to ourselves, whether it’s to retain our own privacy or to respect that of others.

“One of the reasons for this could be that people are moving away from the areas they were born in, whether it’s for further education, brighter job prospects or more affordable house prices. This means we’re feeling more isolated and find ourselves living among strangers and increasingly reluctant to forge relationships with those living around us.

‘’However research has shown that people with stronger community ties actually have better mental and physical health – in fact, they even live longer. What’s more, communities where there is a greater connection between people have less crime. It’s obvious that good old-fashioned connectedness breeds accountability and in a place where everyone knows your name there is a natural form of ‘zero tolerance’ which is far more effective than our increasing reliance on CCTV cameras and security devices.”

Paul Redington, claims manager from Norwich Union, comments: “It’s clear that developing strong neighbour relations allows us to build a picture of people’s lives, their families and comings and goings. A good neighbour can provide valuable advice about the community you live in, a watchful eye to help prevent the risk of crime and together you can make your environment a more peaceful and friendly place to live. So why not make the first step and introduce yourself to your neighbour this bank holiday weekend?”

-ends-

Press office contacts:
Joanna Pritchard, Lexis PR, on 020 7908 6440 / 07712528558 or jpritchard@lexispr.com
Rebecca Holmes, Norwich Union Press Office, on 01603 354 346 / 07800 690 731

Notes to editors
League of neighbourliness:

1. London
2. South West
3. Yorkshire
4. North West
5. South East
6. West Midlands
7. Scotland
8. North East
9. East
10. East Midlands
11. Wales

*Cost supplied by Chubb for one private security guard at Ł15.95 per hour

ICM interviewed a random sample of 1002 adults aged 18+, by telephone between 28 July and 30 July 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.

• Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 14%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
• It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest Financial Adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
• Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media