One in three Bedfordshire residents met their neighbour for the first time during lockdown, survey reveals

It seems staying home has had a positive influence on neighbourly relationships in Bedfordshire.

One in three (32 per cent) admit the first time they met their neighbour in the county was during lockdown.

DIY home installation website, Internal Wall Panels, conducted a survey of 3,000 Brits to find out how many only had their first interaction with their neighbour during lockdown period.

Broken down across the country, this figure was lowest in the East Midlands with just 23 per cent of residents saying they met their neighbour for the first time during lockdown. Comparatively, this figure was highest in London with 45 per cent of people admitting lockdown was the first time they met their neighbour.

And while lockdown appears to have improved our communication with our loved ones – and neighbours – there is no doubt about the economic challenges many are facing during this time.

But it seems we have a country full of good Samaritans as more than one in three Brits (39 per cent) say they would lend money to a neighbour who was struggling financially - with the average Brit prepared to lend their neighbour in need a significant £514.80.

And if that wasn't enough to warm your heart, 60 per cent say they would volunteer to temporarily house their neighbour if they had nowhere else to stay.

A spokesman for Internal Wall Panels said: "Despite being physically separated from our loved ones, a sense of community support is more important now than ever, which includes being there for your next door neighbour in times of need. Having the support of a friendly neighbour can be extremely helpful in trying circumstances."