1.1 million argue over noise

More than 1.1 million households in the UK have argued with their neighbours over noise, according to a new survey carried out by insurers Allianz.

As Brits head out into the garden to enjoy the longer daylight hours this week, the annual survey of neighbourly relations finds inconsiderate neighbours are continuing to cause problems in communities across the country.

The poll, which questioned 3,000 Brits, reveals a third of households have had a disagreement with their neighbours - with 16 per cent blaming the argument on noisy people or loud music.

A further third of people would like to complain to their neighbours but have not yet done so - with most saying they did not want to get into an argument.

"Disputes between neighbours are common and noise in one form or another is often the cause. Last year, our customer help lines received hundreds of calls from policyholders asking for help to resolve a dispute with a neighbour," said Simon Coughlin, spokesman for Allianz.

"Many of these disputes start in the spring as the daylight hours get longer and people get out and start enjoying their gardens again."

According to Allianz, many neighbours remain virtual strangers to each other, with a quarter of householders not knowing the names of their immediate neighbours.

Londoners are least likely to know the name of the person next door, while the Welsh are most likely to call their neighbours by their name.

Furthermore, only a third of people say they trust their neighbours and six per cent have already sought legal advice over the activities of those living nearby.

"You cannot help thinking that so much of the stress between neighbours could be avoided if they just took the time to get to know each other," commented Mr Coughlin.

The top ten causes of dispute between neighbours are as follows:

Noisy adults or children.

Loud music

Parking

Boundary issues

Pets

Trespassing

Overhanging plants/trees

Rubbish bins

Littering

Lack of privacy