A Government minister came under fire from residents of Blackbird Leys last nightfor a "disgusting remark" about the estate.

Hazel Blears's views on the estate have also been criticised by fellow Labour politician Andrew Smith, the MP for Oxford East, after she gave in a speech on social regeneration given to the Fabian Society.

The communities minister said: "It is well documented that brutal, ugly buildings and estates contribute to crime, antisocial behaviour and social exclusion.

"Too many parts of our cities and towns are scarred by the mistakes of well-meaning planners and architects.

"The drive to build units obscured the need for liveability, so that in places such as Skelmersdale in Lancashire, Stonebridge in north London, Easterhouse outside of Glasgow, or Blackbird Leys on the outskirts of Oxford, generations of families have struggled with higher-than-average levels of crime, vandalism, unemployment, unresponsive public services and poor-quality housing."

Gordon Roper, the chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: "I think that is an absolutely disgusting remark.

"We have had problems - although they were often exaggerated - but we have been trying to get the estate on an even keel for five or six years. I would like her to come down here and meet some of the residents, to see the community spirit."

Pegasus Road resident Brian Lester, who has lived on the estate for 45 years, added: "She is still living 17 years ago, when the joyriding was about."

Andrew Smith MP, who has lived in Blackbird Leys for 29 years, said: "We are sick and tired of being stereotyped - and the minister ought to know better because she has been there."

Neighbourhood police inspector Phil Standish said crime had fallen hugely on Blackbird Leys, making it a "really nice estate".

Last night, Ms Blears qualified her comments. She told the Oxford Mail: "My reference to Blackbird Leys was while talking about years of Tory neglect of the people who lived there. I have seen how Labour councillors and local residents working with street wardens, police community support officers and neighbourhood police - all introduced by Labour - are helping to transform Blackbird Leys.

"There is always more to do, particularly as Oxford currently has a Liberal Democrat-led council neglecting areas like Blackbird Leys."