Wayne: I'm not going to visit

And the designer insists that he was not being derogatory about the town when he commented on housing developments in Swindon in a building magazine.

Through the Adver, the town's new mayor, Ray Fisher, offered to take the millionaire housing critic on a tour of the town.

In a curt response, the designer said the issue was a non-story.

But Swindon's new mayor is undeterred, and hopes Mr Hemingway will still pop in if he is passing.

Coun Fisher said: "I'm not surprised that's the response we have got because he doesn't seem the sort of chap to contribute positive ideas.

"I think the housing he has criticised suits a certain type of individual who wishes to live there, and good luck to them.

"It's not up to him to criticise them."

But he believes Mr Hemingway could have made a contribution to the town.

He said: "I think it's sad he's not coming.

"If somebody has something they can contribute, we should have a chat.

"Perhaps next time he's passing he could drop in and make himself known.

"We'd still like to hear his views."

Although Coun Fisher is still extending the hand of civic hospitality, he feels Mr Hemingway's comments so far have not been helpful.

He said: "He didn't say what we should be doing and he didn't recommend anything.

"He just criticised what he could see.

"I'm sure that if he made a positive contribution we would love to hear from him.

"We do employ top architects here in Swindon.

"If there is criticism we should take it on the chin.

"In fact we're already aware that not all of our housing stock is perfect, and we would want to improve it anyway, regardless of what Mr Hemingway says."

In Mr Hemingway's response to the Adver he said: "It was about housing, not specifically Swindon."

In the article in Building Design he wrote: "I've seen some bad stuff over the years but Barratt's efforts in Swindon go straight to the top of my 'Crap Housing Estates' league table.

"What we saw was jaw-droppingly bad."