DAVID Miliband has been accused of using a deprived Southgate estate "to play party political games" after he targeted the area for improvement as part of his Labour leadership campaign.

Ladderswood Estate, based in Conservative-led Southgate Green, has long suffered from poverty and neglect, but last year was earmarked for a £80 million revamp.

The area is one of several around the country to be targeted as part of the shadow foreign secretary's "Movement for Change" initiative, which aims to "give back power to residents, families and businesses to enable them to overcome problems".

But Southgate MP David Burrowes (Con) slammed the project as a PR stunt "motivated by a desire to promote the Labour leadership ambitions of David Miliband rather than the best interests of the consituents".

Ben Maloney, Labour Party secretary for Enfield Southgate, who met residents of the estate last week to discuss their concerns, defended the scheme.

One main problem facing the residents of Curtis House, in Ladderswood Way, he said, was a faulty external door, which was encouraging anti-social behaviour, drug-taking and violence.

After hearing of the problem, Enfield Council has now agreed to replace the door with a "more robust version" and provide new fob keys to people.

Mr Maloney, 29, said: "Despite Labour’s success in winning back control of Enfield Council in May, the Ladderswood Estate is still represented by three Conservative ward councillors and a Conservative MP who have no interest in the well-being of the residents on the estate.

"It is little wonder, therefore, that they feel underrepresented, undervalued and hugely cynical about the political establishment."

He added: "Our assistance was welcomed by residents we spoke to, many of whom committed themselves to being part of the negotiating team that will meet with the council in the coming weeks."

Mr Burrowes said he "refuted" the allegation he has no interest in the area, having helped to secure £500,000 worth of improvements in 2005 and, more recently, a new play area and dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

He said: "I have been actively involved in helping solve anti-social problems, which often need long-term commitment rather than a publicity driven walkabout, which I and my Conservative colleagues have shown.

"David Miliband and his campaign team are in denial. Three months ago the electorate of Enfield Southgate and Ladderswood Way voted by a substantial majority for a Conservative MP and councillors.

"The message they delivered to David Miliband was a 'movement for change', which meant moving Labour out of Government.

"The public are sick and tired of politicians trying to run their lives and play party politics games."