Doctors and nurses make the best neighbours

More bad news for politicians in latest poll

Health workers are the ideal neighbours, according to a survey for B&Q, followed by police officers and then vets.

Politicians come bottom of the list of desirable neighbours. Nearly 30 per cent prefer elderly couples and a young family nearby, but more than half feel a doctor or nurse is their ideal neighbour.

The survey of 2,000 homeowners also found 40 per cent of homeowners like their neighbours to sign for post while they are away, and a further third are delighted if a neighbour puts their bins out when they forget. The ideal neighbour would also wave hello, keep the noise down and be considerate about parking. Moreover, 43 per cent would be embarrassed if they saw their neighbours sunbathing naked.

It also indicated what makes the ideal neighbour; waving hello, keeping the noise down and being considerate about parking are all key requirements. Four in 10 homeowners like their neighbours to sign for post while they are unavailable, a third are grateful if next-door puts their bins out on collection day for them and nearly a fifth appreciate it if their neighbours lend them garden or home equipment to help them out around the house.

The survey coincides with B&Q's launch of Streetclub, a new social networking tool that aims to provide neighbours with an easy way to feel more connected with their communities and help build a sense of local pride by creating local clubs, providing tools to start local discussions, keeping track of local news, and swapping helpful tips and advice.

John Compton, Streetclub by B&Q Manager said: “It’s not surprising to us that the nation like to be a bit private when it comes to their personal lives but they do want their neighbours to be helpful and friendly and this can often be a hard balance to strike. With today’s busy lives, keeping in touch with our neighbours and what’s going on in our communities can often be a lot harder than it should be.”