The perfect community is made up of helpful neighbours, regular litter pickers - and a decent local pub, according to research. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Others think low crime rates, small local businesses and a convenience store nearby are also key. <br /><br />Living in a nice community means 68 per cent take pride in their local area and will do what they can to make it a friendly and welcoming place. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“We are passionate about nurturing neighbourhoods and empowering people to make a positive difference to where they live. The results show that it’s the people above anything else that create a strong community.” <br /><br />The study also found 32 per cent of respondents feel well-maintained gardens help make a community perfect. <br /><br />And the same percentage want a recycling centre, while 28 per cent enjoy regular weekend market stalls to pick up local produce. <br /><br />While 45 per cent of respondents feel that they are a part of their community and 59 per cent would recommend it as a desirable place to live to others. <br /><br />But volunteering is also seen as important with 19 per cent helping out at organisations and charities in their area. <br /><br />Of those, a quarter do so two or three times-a-week - most likely at charity shops (22 per cent) or community development schemes like litter picking (22 per cent). <br /><br />Nearly half (46 per cent) volunteer because they want to make a difference, and 43 per cent like helping the people in their area. <br /><br />Local communities also support each other by organising fundraising events such as cake sales and charity runs. <br /><br />And 40 per cent agree that there are people in their neighbourhood that deserve special recognition for helping others. <br /><br />It also emerged 49 per cent know their neighbours fairly well, with 65 per cent taking in deliveries for them, and 41 per cent bringing in bins on collection day. <br /><br />One in five even exchange birthday and Christmas gifts - and 16 per cent will drop in to feed a pet when the holiday season comes around. <br /><br />The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found 37 per cent of Brits would go as far as to say the community they live in is ‘perfect’. <br /><br />But of those who could see some improvement, 31 per cent would like better maintenance of public spaces, and 30 per cent more affordable housing options. <br /><br />Suzanne Dover added: “Our grant scheme is aimed at supporting and giving back to th
