75517-17FOR people in Swindon staying in is the new going out, according to research by an insurance company.

More Than home insurance claim only eight per cent of people in the south west go out every Saturday night as more people opt to stay home on weekends.

People here are also spending more than most other parts of the country on doing up their homes.

A typical home's contents is now worth £44,500 and the average amount south west home owners will spend on home improvements this year is £4,694.

In the online survey of 2,500 homeowners, Londoners were the most likely to spend a Saturday night in a bar or restaurant with a quarter of them going out every week whereas people in the south west prefer the sofa at home.

The new 'staying in' culture is leading to increased spending on entertainment systems within the home as well.

Many people have set up home cinemas with plasma screen televisions, satellite television and DVD players and more than seven million homes in the UK have Sky digital or satellite channels.

Graham Hollebon, head of personal finance for More Than, said: "We are living increasingly busier lives making our spare time more precious.

"From our research it appears there's a growing trend to spend this time entertaining ourselves at home rather then on traditional activities such as going down the pub or visiting the cinema.

"As a result we're spending more money on home improvement and entertainment systems which in turn is driving up the value of our possessions.

"A typical home now has contents worth £44,500, which is a 50 per cent increase in the last decade. It is important to make sure you have enough cover for these possessions to avoid being under-insured."

The results come after the Advertiser reported how many people in Swindon celebrated New Year's Eve at home rather than venture out.

A national poll by a major credit card company claimed south west revellers were Britain's stingiest spending just £42.23 to see in the New Year compared to the average of £62.82.

But spokeswoman for Swindon brewery Arkell's, Nicky Godding, said their pubs were still pulling in the punters.

Mrs Godding said: "Arkell's pubs are still going strong. The pub is a great place to go for a good night out and people go for the strong sense of community as well as the beer."

Gareth Bethell