SO-CALLED 'postcode snobs' have complained that a new sign welcoming visitors to an Oxford estate has affected the value of their homes.

A 'welcome to Blackbird Leys' sign was put up last month on the parish boundary above the Eastern Bypass flyover.

However, people who live near the sign but over the parish boundary in Littlemore have complained that the sign wrongly associates them with the estate.

One resident living yards from the sign has complained to Oxford City Council, claiming the sign has taken £30,000 off the price of their house.

Blackbird Leys Parish Council, which bought and installed the sign, has accused the homeowners living near Sandy Lane West in Littlemore of "snobbery".

A 41-year-old, who lives in Sandy Lane West less than 100 yards from the signpost, said: "I would rather it wasn't there, but I've got friends in Blackbird Leys and I don't want them to think I'm a snob.

"But I always tell people I live in Cowley or Littlemore, not Blackbird Leys."

Another neighbour added: "I think it would affect the house insurance and the house price if people thought I was in Blackbird Leys."

A 75-year-old man living opposite the sign said: "I don't really want to be associated with Blackbird Leys. I think it puts people off."

Despite the complaint, there are no plans for the sign to be taken down, and more are earmarked.

Parish council chairman Brian Lester said: "I think this reaction is sad and I believe it's snobbery." Fred Mogridge, of Littlemore Parish Council, said: "The logical thing would be to bring the sign back ten yards or so. It seems to be a little trivial, but for households money is money."

Estate agent, Carter Jonas, in Banbury Road, said it had experienced people living in Wood Farm claiming to be in Headington and residents of Rose Hill saying they lived in Iffley.