THIS is why you need to get to know your neighbours

Want to know something shocking? Half of us Brits have no idea what our neighbour’s name is.

Yep, it’s true. You know the familiar pained look on your face when you realise you have to pop over and pick up your delivery that your neighbour has kindly received for you and you have absolutely no idea who they are? Do you even know where no. 47 is?

Well, the stats are in, and 1 in 3 of Brits don’t even know what their neighbour even looks like, according to a new study by Amstel – and we can relate.

The days when you couldn’t move an inch at home without your neighbour Jane texting your mum about the party you threw while your folks were away have all but disappeared. There’s no more ‘popping over the road’ for a natter or barbecue, as a shocking 70% of us probably wouldn’t extend an invitation to a party.

But if we’re all just strangers living next door to one another, it’s no real surprise there’s a lack of community. With groceries getting delivered right to your door within the same day, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need to borrow a cup of sugar – but what about an ear out for when you’re away?

What about all of your beautiful house plants that Instagram’s got you buying? How are you going to keep them alive? What about when you’re home alone? Don’t you feel safer knowing that a friendly face is just next door?

Wouldn’t it be nice to catch up with your neighbours down the local after a game of five-a-side, or even on your way home from work? Isn’t that better than being inside your own four walls trying to avoid people and watching other people’s social lives through your phone? We’d say so.

Here are some of the friendliest neighbourhoods in the UK who have got it right:

Swansea

Swansea has been voted one of the friendliest, welcoming and trustworthy places in the UK. The Welsh city is right up there as one of the best places to live. Situated on the coast, Swansea Bay is one of the most picturesque spots, while you can also pay a visit to Mumbles Pier and Oystermouth Castle.

Aberystwyth

Wales really comes out on top, with Aberystwyth being considered as having one of the safest vibes. In fact, the Welsh town’s residents are so comfortable with each other that some of the residents don’t even feel the need to lock the front door.

Worcester

Not only has Worcester been named as one of the happiest cities in the UK, but it has also been considered the most polite. Perhaps these qualities go hand in hand and make life a bit more pleasant for everyone?

Newcastle

This northern city is high up there on the ‘friendliest’ in the UK. The university hub is situated on the River Tyne in the Northeast, is home to over 270,000 people and is one of the busiest areas in the whole of our great nation – but that doesn’t stop people from being welcoming and making a little time for their neighbours and visitors. Maybe that’s what makes a night out on the Toon so memorable?

Chelmsford

Chelmsford is situated in Essex, just 40 minutes by train from London. Steeped in rich history, Chelmsford has a lot going on for its residents and visitors, with horse racing, the Chelmsford Museum, and its cricket club. It even boasts its own music festival, which takes place at Hylands Estate. That’s a whole load of opportunities to get to know plenty of fun-loving residents, wouldn’t you agree?