The enthusiastic chairwoman of the co-ordinating committee, Cr. Sue Wells, says it is important that we know our neighbours much better. Modern life often means that contact with neighbours is less spontaneous than in days gone by, Cr. More people work during the day and there are fewer people at home. Child-care facilities mean there are fewer young children around neighbourhoods to bring parents together.
High fences make it harder to see neighbours.
Cars isolate people to and from shopping, schools and work, she says. Stranger danger and road safety concerns mean children do not wander as freely as in earlier times. Some Neighbourhood Watch groups have lapsed and people moving into streets are often not contacted by anyone. Community Boards were responsible for events throughout the city to mark the first Neighbourhood Week. Neighbourhood Support Groups were formed.