Neighbours more important in north England

Tuesday, 22 April 2008 12:00 AM

People in the north of England see and speak to their neighbours more than those in the south of the country, according to a new report published today.

Research from the Institute for Public Policy Research North (IPPRN), finds 80 per cent of people in the north-east see their neighbours at least once a week.

This compares to 63 per cent of London residents and a Great British average of 74 per cent.

"There is a particularly interesting contrast between the north-east and the greater south-east - especially London," said the report's author, Katie Schmuecker.

"North-easterners are much more likely to see their relatives regularly and speak to their neighbours frequently, providing a social support network that can be drawn upon in times of need.

"Strong social support networks are an asset to the north-east region, and as efforts to develop the region's economy continue, it is important steps are taken to preserve the positive aspects of the region's strong communities, while also increasing the opportunities open to people."

However, while the closer contact with neighbours may illustrate a strong community spirit, it could also suggest a lack of geographical mobility, finds the IPPRN.

Furthermore, while the research points to weaker geographical communities in terms of neighbourly contact in the greater south-east, it is a more economically successful area.

This could suggest the development of a geographically mobile nuclear family is more suited to economy prosperity than an extended kinship network more common in the north of the country.

As such the report argues these findings should give pause for thought about the type of regional development model that the north-east should follow, and highlights the need for the goal of economic growth to be complemented by social goals, like enhancing social capital, argues the IPPRN.

"The research confirms that the north-east has strong supportive communities and we look after our own," said George Hepburn, convener of the North-east Social Capital Forum.

"But it is not all good news, as these strong networks could be a sign of inward looking communities and a lack of geographic mobility.

"The report challenges us to find ways in which we could be better connected nationally and internationally and to maximise opportunities for local people to look outwards and play their part in the wider world," he concluded.

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