A dark cloud has descended over residents’ hopes a new smoking area at Richmond College would put an end to antisocial behaviour.

Neighbours of the Twickenham college were celebrating after it was announced the principal would make a u-turn on his no smoking policy and would introduce a designated smoking area (DSA) in the grounds for the start of term this week.

The decision followed a campaign by residents who argued antisocial behaviour increased following the smoking ban, introduced last September, as students took to the streets around the college, in Egerton Road, to smoke.

However, residents have been left less than impressed after seeing the new smoking area.

Egerton Road resident Tony Osoba said: “It would immediately seem evident to most people that the DSA will not solve the problems of the nuisance on the roads.

“Some of these reasons might be that it is very small, has no weather protection, is unlikely to attract many students as they would appear like pariahs, corralled in this yellow pen to be gawped at and made figures of fun.

“Staff would shun it not wishing to smoke in such close proximity to the students, many smokers are joined by their non-smoking friends on the roads and this small area could not accommodate them all.”

Craneford Way resident Kevin Rowles, who led the campaign, also criticised the new smoking area and warned college principal David Ansell residents would not let the matter drop if antisocial problems, including reported intimidating behaviour, littering and drug-taking, continued.

He said: “As you can see, the DSA wouldn't hold 100 people comfortably, let alone the several hundred or more who congregate in Egerton Road and Craneford Way every day, so, unbelievably, it looks like we're back to square one.”

However, Mr Ansell stressed the college would work hard to encourage students and staff to use the DSA within the college grounds to alleviate residents’ concerns.

He said: “We will all be doing our best to reduce any inconvenience caused to our neighbours and students who are seen smoking in the immediate vicinity of the college will be asked to move back on site.

“In addition, we are making renewed and positive efforts to promote a healthy college and smoking cessation advice will be available to both students and staff.”