Everybody needs good neighbours

THEY say everybody needs good neighbours . . . but just how close are we to those living next door and how important is community spirit? A recent survey showed 80 per cent of older people speak to their neighbour at least once a week and 19 per cent chat daily. Of those polled, more than 50 per cent said they had a key or access to their neighbours’ homes and 40 per cent admitted they would like to get to know their neighbours better.

Reporter DAWN ECKERSLEY took to the streets of Uppermill to find out if community spirit is alive and well.


Susan Cunningham has lived in Chilton Drive, Royton, for the past 35 years. She likes her neighbours so much — she has vowed to stay put.

She said: “We did consider moving up to Saddleworth but decided against it because we just get on with out neighbours so well.

“We consider them friends and we would definitely trust them to look after our house if we go away. I think it is really important for people to have a good relationship with their neighbours.”

Atmosphere

Bob Goodwin (75) has lived in Willow Bank, an apartment complex in Station Road, Uppermill, for seven years.

He said: “I get on brilliantly with my neighbours — I couldn’t ask for any more.

“There is a residents’ lounge in the building and we often organise events in there. There’s a really good atmosphere.

“I think the younger generation don’t tend to mix as much as older people. It’s a shame.”

Brenda Cockayne (63) who runs the flower shop in Uppermill has lived in Wall Hill Road, Dobcross, for 15 years.

She said: “My neighbours are wonderful. I feel bad because I am not at home very often. I worry that they might need me. I am always confident that if I need anything or any kind of help they will be there for me.

“You never know when you’re going to need help. I consider my neighbours to be friends which is something you don’t see as much these days.”

Jean Darraugh (55) has lived in Station Road, Mossley, for seven years.

She said: “We have good neighbours on both sides. We definitely consider them to be good friends. They help us out with chores such as taking the bins round.

“People really don’t seem to communicate with each other like they used to.

“When we were younger we used to leave our doors unlocked! Now, some people don’t even know who their neighbours are.”

Pam Rose (40), of Platt Lane, Dobcross, knew her neighbours before she moved in.

She added: “We get on really well. I really value their friendship and think it is so important to have good relationships with your neighbours.

“It is good for security — if you know your neighbours you are more likely to notice if something is wrong. I totally trust my neighbours to look after my house when I go on holiday.”

Jason Smith (37) has lived in Waterton Avenue, Mossley, for seven years. He would like to get to know his neighbours better.

He said: “I don’t really speak to my neighbours as we seem to be very different kinds of people but I would love to get on better with them.

“I think they would keep an eye on my house if I went away but we probably wouldn’t socialise with them.”