Surbiton YMCA is at the centre of claims that drug abuse, prostitution and street crime are on the increase in the town.

Some residents claim people housed there by Kingston Council are to blame for problems in the area and have told the Comet the police are called to the Victoria Road hostel at least once a day.

The council uses a number of rooms for temporary accommodation for the homeless, people on bail and those with mental health problems.

Cottage Grove resident Chris Jackson said crime has become worse in the last few months.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a man standing outside the YMCA was shot and injured by what is thought to be a ball bearing or airgun.

Mr Jackson said: "An officer told me crime has doubled in the last year and it seems a problem is being dumped on us, and the YMCA is the main source of the aggro."

The 38-year-old IT worker said many residents of Cottage Grove felt the same, adding he had seen prostitutes and signs of drug abuse in the area.

The owner of a Victoria Road business, who did not wish to be named, said: "It has got worse since the YMCA lost some of its hotel business and started taking council people."

Alan Robinson, a Cottage Grove resident since 1976 and member of Surbiton Area Residents' Association, said nearby St Andrew's Square has become a hang-out for drug dealers.

"The police actually sent letters out to businesses saying they know drug dealing is going on there and they are trying to do something about it. Everyone knows it's the YMCA people who are to blame," he said.

Ian Green, chief executive of the YMCA, said the police do visit the centre nearly every day but said the purpose was community relations.

"We encourage them to come here and have a cup of tea and talk to residents," he said.

"In terms of us having to call the police, it's more often to do with people who are not our residents, hanging around."

He said there is an urban myth that any trouble in Surbiton is caused by YMCA residents.

"I am not saying we don't have problems, but they don't happen very often."

Surbiton Councillor Liz Shard said YMCA residents are an easy target and are being unfairly blamed for crime.

"These people are some of the most vulnerable in our society and we need to look after them. If we don't house them there, they are left to their own devices. At the YMCA there are activities programmes and staff to look after people and keep them out of trouble.

"I accept these people are not saints, but if anyone is causing problems they will be thrown out."

Chief inspector Tim Pointer, of Kingston police, said a new beat officer had been appointed to Surbiton who will be initially working around Cottage Grove, Victoria Road and Brighton Road.

He said: "I am always loathe to say the YMCA is the cause or the factor down there. The new officer will be working with the community, local organisations and businesses to look at any issues that exist."

djudge@london.newsquest.co.uk