new neighbours do not seem to care

I think if I were you, I'd go round and have a friendly word and just ask if they would mind giving you a hand. They might say no, but at least you won't have put their backs up by writing a note about 'joint responsibility'.

We had a similar problem for years. a shared sewer runs the length of my drive, some 80ft. (4 houses feed into it). It has blocked many times over the years, but no one else is interested in helping to clear it. I just bought 2 sets of rods and clear it myself as required. Luckily this chore has now been taken over by Anglian Water. I could have got Dyno Rod in and sent each house a 1/4 of the bill, but I prefer to stay friends with my neighbors.

Thank goodness you said that, Mollie, I was thinking Lurch was your OH!

thank you for the other responses too - I think I will have to let it go and see how clearing the track in the winter is tackled if they have to get to work. do so agree about lack of community spirit and other GNetters were also brought up as I was - just get on with it if it needs doing
'Lurch' was fascinated by seeing me sawing and throwing the branches in the hedge (he is a dog)

thank you Harrigran - this is why I have debated the wisdom of leaving a note reminding them of 'joint responsibility' - maybe it is a generational thing and the younger ones are so caught up in their own lives to see that they should shoulder some 'responsibility'
I am the type of individual who cannot leave something undone that 'needs to be done' even if I am not wholly responsible - if you get my drift.

Not surprised sadly.
During heavy ice and snow our roads became treacherous. There's a salt bin at the entrance to the estate so 67 year old neighbour and I spent a morning clearing the worse bits and spreading salt. About 80% of the residents are under 45, yet not one helped although many saw us while walking their dogs!
The village appeal for Snow Wardens fell on deaf ears on all the estates with a majority of younger residents, none of whom can get out when it snows because gritter lorries don't cover smaller roads, so that speaks volumes.

Lack of community spirit here!

hopefully he'll have time at the weekend. If not weigh carefully how to react, as you may be neighbours for a while.

difficult one, if there is bad feeling from the start it may cause friction having to live next to them.