Be a Good Neighbour
We all have a responsibility for the quality of life in our
neighbourhood. Neighbours can be a good source of support, so why
not think about introducing yourself and your family to your
neighbours if you haven’t already done so?
What makes a good neighbour?
Being a good neighbour is about respecting your neighbours and
not doing anything that might cause upset. Most conflicts between
neighbours start because of misunderstandings or inconsiderate
behaviour.
Below are some of the most common issues which result in
neighbours falling out. If you can avoid these, then you will be
able to have a good relationship with your neighbours.
Inconsiderate parking - Blocking neighbours
access to property or drive
Loud music or television - Having the volume
too high
Barking dog - Leaving your dog to howl all
day
Unsupervised children - Children behaving
badly, screaming or misbehaving
Bad language - Swearing in or outside your
house
Summer barbeques - Late night barbeques which
can be very loud when your neighbours are trying to go to
sleep
Ignoring your neighbours - Deliberately
ignoring your neighbours can be seen as a gesture of dislike
Slamming doors - The sound of a slamming door
is very annoying
Bonfires - Garden bonfires can blow across
your neighbours’ garden and may affect hanging washing
Neighbours should always be given consideration if you want to
gain respect and build a good relationship. Consider the
following:
Say hello and smile - Something as simple
as this can break the ice and get you talking
Keep neighbours informed - If you are having
a party, a barbecue or other gatherings at your home, let
neighbours know a couple of days in advance that you will do your
best to keep noise down and ensure considerate parking. If you are
planning on burning garden rubbish let your neighbours know in
advance so they can keep their washing in
Support each other - If you do get to know your
neighbour, think about exchanging telephone numbers so that in an
emergency you can contact and inform them
Look out for each other -If your neighbour
is going away offer to put out their bins for them and keep an eye
on their house
Respect - Always show each other respect in
all you do
Closing doors - Encourage children to close
doors quietly
Good neighbour community pledges
These can be used to set out the types of positive behaviour
that residents in a particular street or block of flats want to
sign up to. The majority of residents want to live in harmony and
the example below shows the sorts of things that you might
want to include in a community ‘pledge’.
It is important that, when you are developing this pledge, there
is proper consultation between all people living in that area. If
you live in a property owned by a registered social landlord they
can help you draw up such a pledge otherwise we are happy to
help.
This pledge can contain as many pledges and promises as you like
as long as they are realistic, clear and include positive behaviour
as well as those things that you want to stop. It must be clear
what will happen if the community pledge is broken.
An example of a good neighbour community pledge:
This community pledge is designed to help to make sure that all
residents are committed to making their area a safe, settled and
peaceful place in which to live and that everyone has a shared
understanding about showing respectful behaviour. As a member of
the (name of street) community, my pledge is to make sure that my
family, my visitors and I will do our very best to create the
stable community and pleasant environment that all residents are
signing up to.
With this commitment from everyone we can all live peacefully in
our homes free from un-neighbourly behaviour.
I pledge to be a good neighbour and treat my fellow residents
with respect at all times and in signing this document I commit to
play my part in the success and future of (name of street).
I specifically agree to pledge the following:
- To show respectful behaviour at all times
- Keep our homes, communal areas and gardens in good condition at
all times
- Exercise responsibility for our children’s behaviour and also
any visitors
- Take responsibility for our pets and not allow them to disturb
other people
- Be tolerant and understanding of other residents’ needs for
periods of quiet
- Ensure that if our children are playing outside, they do so
without harassing or causing nuisance to other people
- To agree to talk to each other if children’s behaviour is
becoming an issue
- Agree that drug dealing will not be tolerated in our
community
- Agree to help the community by keeping evidence of any issues
which are affecting our community
- Agree to park considerately
Signed ……………………………….Name …………………………………