Milton Keynes crowned the most '˜harmonious' place to live in the country

The report ‘A Portrait of the Modern British Community’, provides a striking snapshot into neighbourliness and the changing shape of communities in 2016.

MK is the most harmonious place, with only 7 per cent of residents recording a dispute with their neighbour, compared with the national average of 20 per cent - perhaps a legacy of our new town status.

The research shows Brits’ ideal neighbour would behave respectfully at all times and is the top trait that characterises a good neighbour, followed by being tolerant and understanding of other residents’ needs.

Of those who have experienced nuisance neighbours, excessive noise was by far the biggest single cause of residential issues nationally, with over two fifths of Brits (41 per cent) experiencing noise related issues, including stomping around the house, loud arguments and late night parties.

Nearly one in four have suffered rude or abusive neighbours and a further 21 per cent have had problems with barking dogs or wars over parking.

Lynn Farrar, chair of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Our communities are changing as people lead busier lives, but people still care about the places they live.
“Everyone wants to live in a safe, friendly area and it starts with each one of us.

“Being a good neighbour is the first step in having good neighbours.

“Joining Neighbourhood Watch is one way you can contribute to keeping your neighbourhood a safe and good place to live.”