An attempt to make a college a healthy place to learn has led to misery for nearby residents, it has been claimed.

Principal David Ansell last year declared Richmond College a no-smoking zone to improve its appearance and the health of its 4,500 full-time students.

However, residents living around the college, in Egerton Road, said youngsters were now smoking in the streets around the area.

Kevin Rowles, of Craneford Way, said: “Neighbours like myself have suffered greatly as a result of this policy, for which we received no prior consultation or warning.

“The no-smoking policy has driven criminal and antisocial behaviour on to our streets.

“I have lived here for 30 years and we have never had this problem before.”

He claimed students were outside his house smoking cigarettes and “dope” on a near daily basis and residents were suffering from littering, swearing and damage to properties.

In an attempt to stop the problem, Mr Rowles sent a letter to nearby residents asking them to contact him if they had experienced antisocial behaviour from students.

He said he received a “very encouraging” response, including one letter from a resident who claimed he had experienced “nothing but problems since the students have been out on our streets”.

Mr Rowles added: “The only solution as we see it is to lift the smoking ban in the college grounds.”

Safer neighbour team inspector, Lucy Perrett, said Richmond police were aware of residents’ concerns and hoped to meet with Mr Ansell to discuss a resolution.

She confirmed a number of arrests and warnings had been issued in recent weeks to students caught smoking cannabis.

Insp Perrett said: “Because the students can’t smoke in the college they just go outside on their breaks. We are aware of drug taking.”

Extra patrols have also been taking place around the college following the stabbing of an 18-year-old college student on January 28.

The teenager suffered injuries to his left leg and right arm after being chased by a group of about six youths into a garden in Court Way.

Mr Ansell said he was keen to meet with residents and confirmed the smoking ban would be reviewed.

He said: “The college’s security manager has personally visited a number of residents to listen to their concerns and we will be reviewing our smoking policy.

“I must stress that any drug-related incidents are extremely rare and we are working closely with the police on these matters.”

Anyone with information about the stabbing should call 020 8247 7032 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Antisocial behaviour incidents should be reported to St Margarets safer neighbourhood team on 020 8721 2912.