Friendly neighbours tops the list of things people most want in their community – and a decent pub is a must too

THE perfect community is made up of helpful neighbours, regular litter pickers – and a decent local pub, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 Brits also found well maintained community gardens, reliable public transport and a running or walking group are important to create a wholesome environment to live in.

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Others reckon low crime rates, small local businesses and a convenience store nearby are also key.

Living in a nice community means 68 per cent take pride in their local area and will do what they can to make it a friendly and welcoming place.

The research was commissioned by SPAR UK, which is launching its third Community Cashback scheme, giving away a total of £100,000 in grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities on behalf of its shoppers.

Suzanne Dover, from the community retailer, said: “There is nothing better than a community that comes together and it’s great to see how people across the UK care about their local communities.

“We are passionate about nurturing neighbourhoods and empowering people to make a positive difference to where they live. The results show that it’s the people above anything else that create a strong community.”

The study also found 32 per cent of respondents feel well-maintained gardens help make a community perfect.

And the same percentage want a recycling centre, while 28 per cent enjoy regular weekend market stalls to pick up local produce.

While 45 per cent of respondents feel that they are a part of their community and 59 per cent would recommend it as a desirable place to live to others.

But volunteering is also seen as important with 19 per cent helping out at organisations and charities in their area.

Of those, a quarter do so two or three times a week – most likely at charity shops (22 per cent) or community development schemes like litter picking (22 per cent).

Nearly half (46 per cent) volunteer because they want to make a difference, and 43 per cent like helping the people in their area.

Local communities also support each other by organising fundraising events such as cake sales and charity runs.

And 40 per cent agree that there are people in their neighbourhood that deserve special recognition for helping others.

It also emerged 49 per cent know their neighbours fairly well, with 65 per cent taking in deliveries for them, and 41 per cent bringing in bins on collection day.

One in five even exchange birthday and Christmas gifts – and 16 per cent will drop in to feed a pet when the holiday season comes around.

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found 37 per cent of Brits would go as far as to say the community they live in is ‘perfect’.

But of those who could see some improvement, 31 per cent would like better maintenance of public spaces, and 30 per cent more affordable housing options.

Suzanne Dover added: “Our grant scheme is aimed at supporting and giving back to the communities where we have our shops.

“We’ve seen first-hand how much last year’s grant winners benefitted from this scheme and know that together, we are making a real difference in communities.”

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