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Donating to food banks, doing odd jobs for people, and keeping the garden neat and tidy, also featured highly on the list.
And being trusted with the neighbours’ keys, pets, and plants, as well as shopping locally, are seen as other signs you are a good member of the community.
But nearly half (45 percent) admitted they consider themselves to be “average” citizens, who don’t go above and beyond in their local area.
The research was commissioned by Redrow, whose spokesman said: “Far from nightmare neighbours, this research paints a picture of the model citizens we’d love to live next door to.
“There’s a lot of conversation about community spirit and whether there’s enough of it in the UK at the moment.
“We strive to deliver a better way of living for people, and that means thinking about the whole development and the community.
“Our research gives some great tips on how you can be the best citizen possible and brighten up the lives of those living around you.”
The study also found a fifth would consider someone who’s happy to help a neighbour jump-start a car to be a great citizen.
And 17 percent just want someone who, if they do own pets, ensures they’re not overly loud or annoying.
It also emerged more than a third (36 percent) feel “worthwhile” when they do something they believe benefits their community – while half (48 percent) have made good friends with their neighbours after coming together to work on a common goal.
However, 22 percent believe they could still be doing “a lot” more, and only 17 percent feel they’re doing as much as they possibly could.
Of those who feel they could give more, 37 percent struggle after a hard-working week, and 22 percent don’t think they live somewhere with a “community feel”.
The main benefit Brits would like from a more community-minded neighbourhood would simply be having someone to talk to (33 percent).
But a quarter would really like someone to bring in parcels for them when they’re away, and 25 percent would like to go to more social events.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, found 28 percent believe there are fewer “model citizens” in their area than there would have been a decade ago.
Almost a quarter of those in the West Midlands and East Midlands (24 percent and 23 percent respectively) see themselves as the perfect citizen – compared to just one percent in the North East, and four percent in Yorkshire and the Humber.
And almost two-thirds of people in the East Midlands would like to help out more in their community, too – the most of any region.
When it comes to building relationships within the community, nearly two-thirds of Londoners (64 percent) have made friends with their neighbours after helping out in the community.
The Redrow spokesman added: “Our research shows homeowners living with a higher level of community spirit are happier, which is why we ensure all of our developments follow our “Listen to Learn” placemaking design principle.
“This approach recognises that a successful place to live is one which responds to the needs and aspirations of the local community, and is thoughtfully designed to encourage sustainable community engagement.
“From taking in parcels to checking in on elderly members of the community, we understand that communities thrive when they are made up of good citizens who look out for one another, and respect their environment and those within it.”
TOP 40 SIGNS OF A MODEL CITIZEN:
- Checks in on elderly members of the community
- Volunteers
- Picks up rubbish in and around the local area
- Donates items to those in need
- Is trusted with neighbours’ keys, pets, and plants
- Donates to a food bank
- Shops locally
- Does odd jobs for the neighbours
- Reduces food waste
- Keeps their gardens neat and tidy
- Takes part in local charity events
- Helps neighbours jump-start the car/with a flat tyre
- Warns neighbours of potential late nights/noisy parties
- Gives blood
- Fundraises
- Adopts elderly locals as friends
- No loud or annoying pets
- Complains to the council about something on behalf of the community
- Joins Neighbourhood Watch
- Obeys the Highway Code
- Takes rubbish down to the tip for others
- Offers to mow other’s lawns if doing their own
- Helps out in the local school
- Never parks on the kerb
- Plants in a community garden
- Campaigns for better local roads
- Puts the kettle on for local delivery drivers, tradespeople etc.
- Campaigns for better lit streets
- Sends Christmas cards
- Takes home other people’s rubbish
- Helps others paint/do up their homes
- Delivers eggs/homegrown fruit and veg to locals
- Helps others understand public transport
- Offers to walk neighbours’ dogs
- Shares details of local businesses on social media
- Helps neighbours park their car
- Gives lifts to the airport for holidays
- Lends money to family and friends
- Reads to people
- Goes round with charity tins
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