IT’S not known for thatched cottages or a cosmopolitan nightlife.

But Blackbird Leys may have to rebrand as a village or town to attract investment, according to the charity hired by Oxford City Council to transform the estate.

The classic case of “what’s in a name?” was debated by Blackbird Leys parish council this week.

Princes Foundation Trust spokesman Ben Bolgar gave an update on the charity’s plans to regenerate the estate, which is home to about 14,000 people.

When questioned over why he did not use the word “estate” and referred to the joint area of Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys as ‘The Leys’ he said: “Something that has come up is that Blackbird Leys suffers from its perception as an estate and that is stopping it from regenerating quickly.

“It may stop money from coming in from outside.

“If people start to look at the heart of it or if young people want to move in, what in this place will people talk about? Does it have a village or a town centre?

“It perpetuates itself as an estate and that is not always positive to attact investment.

“Whether town or village, it is to do with character and I think as it develops it’s important to look at things like this and what can be changed.

“We are trying to maximise the value of the land.”

He said the Princes Foundation hoped to build a path between Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys to connect the two, a plan already put in place by the parish council.

To officially become a village or a town, the parish council would have to hold a widespread public consultation, which could take several months, and it would then vote on the matter.

According to the Local Government Act it would not have to consult Oxford City Council.

Rebranding as a town could mean a new name, entry signs and even a mayor.

However, residents are far from convinced.

Thistle Road resident Paul Brackett said there was much to celebrate in the estate already and it wouldn’t make any difference.

The 53-year-old said: “We don’t want our name changed. There is so much good here now, and people are proud to come from Blackbird Leys.

“People have been living here for generations and don’t want a different name.”

Another resident, Sasha East, 40, said: “It seems like an awful lot of work for not much. I’m not convinced.”

Chairman Gordon Roper said the parish council would not be taking the idea forward.

Mr Roper said: “We won’t be turning into a town.

“You can’t just change the name of a place and expect people to see it differently.”