MORE than half (52%) of Brits typically have a good relationship with their neighbours, and one in six (17%) claim they’ve grown closer to their neighbours during lockdown, according to a new survey by Confused.com.

Over the past 20 weeks, many people across the country have come together to support and help each other in ways they’ve never known before.

During this time, a lot of people have been literally house-bound, relying on others to carry out essential errands for them, from picking up prescriptions to carrying out a weekly shop.

In fact, nearly one in four (23%) UK adults have helped a neighbour during lockdown in some way, while one in seven (14%) have received help themselves.

However, while many people have been enjoying the company of their neighbours, the facts that everyone has been spending more time at home is bound to put a strain on some neighbourly relationships.

According to the research, one in six (17%) Brits felt some tension with their neighbours during lockdown.

More than two in five (42%) say this evolved from lockdown rules being broken, while a further two in five (40%) say loud music created the friction.

It’s inevitable that lockdown will have sparked a few arguments, as people have had to find ways to keep themselves entertained over the past 20 weeks.

Although, in some cases, there was little concern for the neighbours. According to the research, nearly one in three (31%) Brits claim their neighbours have been playing loud music during lockdown, while one in two (50%) saw their neighbours’ break lockdown rules by having family and friends visit their house.

More than one in three (36%) even claim their neighbour had been breaking the two-metre social distancing rule.

One in eight (12%) said their neighbour painted their fence without permission, while one in seven (15%) chopped down a tree.

Under the circumstances, all these behaviours might get some people’s blood boiling. But, being the polite nation that we are, in most cases, people decided not to complain.

While confronting neighbours may seem like the best way to resolve an issue, it can in fact create more tension.

A friendly knock on the door or quick word over the fence will settle matters most of the time, although it’s not uncommon for these discussions to turn very awkward.

And so, knowing your rights when it comes to disputing is key to maintaining a good relationship.

However, according to Confused.com’s research, not everyone knows basic neighbourly etiquette.

One in 10 (9%) are confused about the law on playing loud music, while one in eight (11%) are unsure of the law around bonfires.