Nicola McGann BBC Scotland news website

Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse (FARE) said the area had come a long way since its association with severe poverty and infamous razor gangs.

A massive regeneration programme is ongoing in Easterhouse

A massive regeneration programme is ongoing with the aim of attracting businesses and creating employment.

But Friday's visit by the work and pensions minister and first minister did not help the area's image, it said.

Jimmy Wilson, integration co-ordinator for Fare, said: "Great work is going on and millions of pounds have been spent regenerating the area.

"This area is up and coming, but it seems that every time the people who live here get their heads above the window ledge, people are putting a foot on them and pushing them down."

Work and Pensions Minister John Hutton was in Scotland to discuss ways of tackling poverty and met First Minister Jack McConnell in Easterhouse.

'Still problems'

Mr Wilson added: "We're hoping the regeneration will attract businesses to the area but every time there's a story about poverty or gangs or violence, politicians and even the media end up at Easterhouse.

"That image of Easterhouse is in the past and the area is trying to move on from it.

"We recognise that there are still problems but there are far worse areas in Scotland.

Rundown housing is the common image of Easterhouse

"Residents here are getting a wee bit annoyed about it and they are probably a bit annoyed about Mr Hutton and Mr McConnell's visit."

The area's Labour councillor, Ronnie Quinn, said: "We've been working for more than 20 years to change the image to get away from the days of the razor gangs.

"The image of Easterhouse is of a big sprawling housing estate but it has changed. It has turned the corner from what it was like."

He added: "We are a bit ahead of some other areas in Glasgow."