HALF-a-century ago, a wall dividing council houses in Oxford’s Cutteslowe estate from privately-owned homes was torn down, in the hope it would unify the two communities.

But 51 years later, residents say they feel they are living on a “forgotten estate” with Oxford City Council focusing investment in other deprived areas, such as Blackbird Leys, Barton and Rose Hill.

They argue the true levels of deprivation on the North Oxford estate are not reflected in statistics that influence where money is spent.

Liz Edwards, of Cutteslowe Community Centre, said: “We don’t get the money other communities get, yet we are no less deprived than they are.

“Sometimes, there’s not even recognition we exist. Getting funding for anything is a constant struggle.”

Mum-of-six Nicky Chant, 36, of Aldrich Road, said: “There isn’t any support or opportunities for young people.

“In council newsletters, I read about all the new things going to Blackbird Leys and Barton, but never anything here.

“There used to be a real community here, but now we have nothing to bring everyone together.”

Last year, the estate was left out of the council’s regeneration strategy, which prioritises where improvements should be focused.

Blackbird Leys, Barton, Rose Hill and Littlemore were included and plans will be drawn up for future improvements.

In March, the council awarded grants totalling £2,250 to Cutteslowe community projects, compared with more than £100,000 for initiatives in Blackbird Leys and £80,000 in Rose Hill.

These figures included money for credit unions, advice centres and the Leys Fair.

This summer, the council gave grants for activities for young people living on seven estates, but not Cutteslowe.

County and city councillor Jean Fooks said: “Some people on the estate feel they have been forgotten “It seems Cutteslowe’s history has not entirely been wiped out.

“There are good things going on, but Cutteslowe still gets overlooked compared with larger estates which attract funding.”

Youth worker Jon Holder said: “When you look at the statistics, North Oxford looks very affluent.

“But there’s this pocket of deprivation tucked round the back which nobody seems to know about.

“We have antisocial behaviour, petty criminality, teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem, and shocking levels of education attainment.

“There is one girl from social housing going on to A-Levels this year, and that’s the first one I have heard about in two-and-a-half years of working here.”

Oxford City Council spokesman Louisa Dean said the authority had a “focus on the areas of greatest need”.

It pointed to a mural project, work with young people and cash for Citizens Advice Bureaus across the city.