Parking is neighbours' greatest gripe

A fifth of people do not know who their neighbours are

Selfish car parking is the issue most likely to send us spiralling into a dispute with neighbours, a poll suggests.

It topped a list of "nuisance neighbour" attributes for 24% of those surveyed - ahead of loud music, barking dogs and rubbish.

Only 18% of those asked said they were happy with their neighbours, while more than a fifth did not know who lived next door.

Noise is still a sore point for many - including the sound of neighbours getting fruity

Jill Willis, Norwich Union Insurance

The poll of 1,000 households across Britain was conducted on behalf of Norwich Union Insurance.

The company said parking had become the most common complaint against neighbours because of an increasing number of cars owned per household.

Loud pets were next on the list of gripes for 15% of those questioned.

It was only marginally more than those fed up with next door's noisy children, 13%.

Loud music or televisions and overhanging trees both received 7% of votes, while disputes regarding rubbish worried 6% of those surveyed.

Neighbours who argue between themselves bothered 5% of those polled and late night parties caused problems for 3%.

Communication

Just 1% said they were disturbed by their neighbours' loud love-making, which was on a par with those fed up with them being nosey.

Jill Willis, from Norwich Union Insurance, said: "It is surprising that car parking tops our list of disputes, but it reflects that a significant number of homes now have more than one car.

"Noise is still a sore point for many - including the sound of neighbours getting fruity.

"Like any relationship, communication is key.

"We would always suggest if people have a problem or issue with their neighbours, they talk it through rather than letting it fester and then explode into an argument or even a legal dispute."