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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
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Orlaith Clinton

Northern Ireland is most neighbourly region in UK amidst lockdown, study finds

The Coronavirus lockdown means more people are spending time at home, and many are relying on local communities for support.

Research from comparethemarket.com reveals how well we know our next-door neighbours, with a significant majority (86%) of people saying they have good relationships with at least one next door neighbour.

And the study found that Northern Ireland is the home of the friendliest neighbours - would you agree?

It delved into the nation's neighbouring relations to reveal just how close (or in some cases not so) we are to the ones next door.

And NI is revealed as the most neighbourly region of the UK, with 77% of residents reporting a good relationship with their neighbours and 70% considering their neighbours as friends.

But only 13% of us said we would talk to the folks next door on a daily basis - with 58% saying the chat would be a few times a week.

When it comes to regions feeling community spirit, the residents of Northern Ireland top the list again, with 67% feeling a sense of belonging.

Chris King, Head of Home Insurance at comparethemarket, said: "With many people working from home and unable to leave the house regularly due to lockdown, being a good neighbour is more important than ever. With social distancing measures in place, online neighbourhood groups and technology are keeping community spirit alive.

"Community spirit is particularly important at times like this for older members of the community, many of whom may rely on friends nearby to help with deliveries of food and supplies.

"With family members potentially living further away, it is encouraging that a significant majority of this age group have good relationships with their next-door neighbours. Even just putting a note through the door or giving them a call could be a real help.

"Times of crisis bring people together from all walks of life and to see neighbours look out for each other more than ever right now is a silver lining in an otherwise troubling time."

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