IT IS with great sadness that yet again we read a report of someone who was living alone who has clearly died alone too.

How very tragic.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this sad time.

I’m sure all readers are asking themselves if they do enough, in their busy lives, to be neighbourly and know their neighbours?

There are many people living alone today, of all ages, and once behind their closed doors, on gloomy winter evenings, rely on TV for their company.

Would a smile, good morning or other greeting be too much for us to offer in the street, or a knock on the door to say hello, offer to shop or put the bins out?

Through social media I follow a group called ‘Friends of the Elderly’ (twitter: @FriendsElderly) and daily they encourage people to be a friend. It always galvanises me to call someone I know who may be older or unwell. Couldn’t we all pledge to do something to alleviate loneliness for someone each day? Let’s all try to bring back the spirit of community – support the community to help itself and each other.

Would that really be too hard?

ELAINE ATKINSON, Leader of the Council Borough of Poole