Coventry home to country’s “kindest neighbours”

Coventry has the kindest neighbours in the country, according to a survey of 2000 people conducted by One Poll for CORGI HomePlan.

Its residents are reportedly most likely to help their neighbours move house, mow the lawn and look after one another’s pets and plants.

Half of the residents frequently introduce themselves to newcomers in their area whilst an even more generous one third will clear snow from a neighbour’s path, according to the study.

Reports suggest the older and wealthier population of Coventry are amongst the kindest; most commonly the ‘best’ neighbours are those between the ages of 35 and 59 and who are earning between £30,000 and £45,000.

The data from the survey shows that 72% of Coventry residents will check on a vulnerable neighbour if they are concerned about them or have not seen them in a few days.

Professor Sandi Mann of the University of Central Lancashire explains that this may be because more and more people are moving further away from their parents in order to find a job. Thus, they worry about their parents living on their own as they get older and more vulnerable.

In helping one’s own neighbours, people like to think that others will be doing the same for their parents in a ‘neighbourly pay it forward scheme.’

CORGI HomePlan is using these results to start a How Safe is Your Street campaign which will encourage residents to keep an eye on their neighbours and will give suggestions as to how one may do that.

Second year accounting and finance student Josh Ekhuemelo, who lives in Coventry, said that his neighbours are quiet and relaxed; ‘One elderly neighbour is a really lovely lady. First time I came she offered me sugar and biscuits just in case.’

Ocean Naguleswaran, a second-year Maths student said: “The people in Coventry couldn’t be nicer, people always exchange smiles with me when I’m walking down the road and my neighbours are all friendly people.”