One in four neighbours argue over the garden fence

There’s no love lost between neighbours despite being a nation of garden lovers, according to research just released by Direct Line Home Insurance.

Almost one in four (24 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to having confronted their neighbour over a garden related issue, although in true British style, 72 per cent chose instead to suffer in silence.

As 77 per cent admitted to being proud of their gardens, it is no surprise that 42 per cent had become annoyed with their neighbours’ messy gardens ‘letting the side down’ and a further 39 per cent over other garden-related issues (listed on next page).

65 per cent admitted to sometimes being overly territorial when it comes to their gardens.

Just under half of those surveyed (45 per cent) believe increased interest in gardening in recent years has been the driving force behind increasing numbers of disputes amongst neighbours.

Direct Line Home Insurance spokesperson Simon Ziviani commented:

“With the UK’s famous bad weather fast becoming a thing of the past, more and more Brits are taking an interest in their gardens – simply because they are able to spend more time in them. And the many ‘garden makeover’ programmes on TV have undoubtedly fuelled this enthusiasm.

“Consideration is always key to being a good neighbour, and calm essential if conflict is on the horizon.”

Neighbourly gripes cited in the research include:
1. Rowdy barbecues
2. Night-time vegetable and plant raids
3. The wholescale ‘copying of ideas’
4. Noisy early morning Sunday strimming

Simon Ziviani continued:

“Neighbours on good terms are also at less risk of having their homes and gardens robbed as they tend to keep a closer eye on each other’s properties.”

For more information, log on to www.directline/home

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Simon Ziviani/Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 2270 / 07985 421646
Email: simon.ziviani@directline.com

Notes to Editors:

Survey conducted by 72Point among 2,400 UK homeowners in July 2005.