Helpful neighbours, litter picks and a good pub - what makes the perfect community

The perfect community is made up of helpful neighbours, regular litter pickers – and a decent local pub, according to research. A poll of 2,000 Brits also found well maintained community gardens, reliable public transport and a running or walking group are important to create a wholesome environment to live in. Others think low crime rates, small local businesses and a convenience store nearby are also key. The research was commissioned by SPAR UK [https://www.spar.co.uk/community/community-cashback/], which is launching its third Community Cashback scheme, giving away a total of £100,000 in grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities on behalf of its shoppers. Suzanne Dover, from the community retailer, said: "There is nothing better than a community that comes together and it’s great to see how people across the UK care about their local communities.”