These Corby neighbours are such good pals they’ve built a lockdown dining table over their garden fence

How well do you get on with your neighbours?

Well enough to turn your back fence into a socially-distanced, flip-down al-fresco dining area?

That’s just what the Starks and the Lawlers did in Brunswick Gardens on Corby’s Danesholme estate after missing each other’s company during lockdown when going in and out of each other’s gardens was, for a time, illegal.

The couples have had a window in their fence for some time so they can chat in their back gardens - and to allow their grandchildren to talk to one another.

But during lockdown, Tracy Lawler spotted a contraption on social media that would allow them to take neighbourly relations to the next level and share a bottle of wine and a meal on summer lockdown evenings.

Her husband Tony, a former engineer, and their neighbour Ian Stark, a retired electrician, worked to make the idea a reality.

They have cleverly hinged their fence so it flips down when in use, and back up again when it’s not needed. They even have a special tablecloth, a heater and different height chairs to account for the Lawlers’ lower garden.

Janice Stark said: “We’ve always been friends, ever since they moved here from Southampton 14 years ago.

”I got Tracy a job where I worked at Danesholme Infants when they first came here and we’ve always got along really well.

”Originally we had this peephole built in the fence so we could chat but then during lockdown Tracy had seen this idea on social media so Ian and Tony decided to make it.”

The couples both join in the cooking and bring their own plates so nobody has to do too much washing-up.

Tracy said: “I make the cakes and Janice made a lovely lasagne the other night.”

So what is the secret to getting along so well with your neighbours?

”Well, we’ve got a bolt on each side of the fence so we both have to open them if we want to put the table down!” said Tracy.

”But it’s just about respect and having some boundaries and knowing when people want their privacy.”

Brunswick Gardens was originally sold off as individual building plots and anyone who wanted to live there had to construct their own house - resulting in some incredible architecture and unique homes. It also means that the community is well-established and that many of the original homeowners still live in their houses.

Ian and Janice have been in the street for 26 years and brought up their three children - Ian, Mel and Richard - there.

“We’re just lucky to have nice neighbours. In fact, everyone in the street gets along well,” said Janice.

”We had a great VE Day celebration and people support each other here. I think most of Corby is like that though. People look out for each other.

”We’re glad we’ve got the table as we’re ready if there a lockdown number two now - we might even do Christmas dinner!”