Light of your neighbour's life

17th November, 2005

Flashing festive lights outside homes upset around 14 million neighbours every year, claims Halifax Home Insurance.

According to its new poll, up to 37 per cent of UK residents feel that their neighbour has gone overboard with Christmas decorations, which can cause real problems with neighbours' relationships.

One and a half million people claim that flashing decorations have disturbed sleep, caused stress or created rifts between neighbours.

Neighbours also worry about the fire hazard to their homes. Halifax says that there is a 33 per cent rise in electrical fires in December, compared to the average over the year.

Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter at Halifax Home Insurance, commented: We advise people to check that all Christmas lights meet the relevant British safety standards before putting them up.'

Because of the risk of fire, it is important that you have adequate home insurance before putting up lights.

In the event of a fire or accident, you can claim on your home insurance instead of being left to meet the cost yourself.

Experts estimate that this year 89 million metres of fairy lights will be purchased by an over zealous nation.

 

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