A town council is stepping up security measures outside one of its buildings due to the tenant feeling unsafe due to nearby drug dealing. 

At the Oakham Town Council meeting last week, chairman Paul Ainsley said he 'went to the police some time ago' on behalf of the dance studio owner who rents a council-owned building in Princess Avenue.  

There have been reports of the owner of a white van dealing drugs from the nearby car park, which Councillor Ainsley said was a 'real concern'. He said the tenant had found herself trapped in the building and unable to leave. 

At the meeting Councillor Chris Nix presented a report about some new measures to improve the security around the building, as well as making it more efficient. 

The authority has decided to install a ring doorbell system and investigate with the county council the possibility of securing additional CCTV in the area.  

Councillor Nix said: "The tenants have felt threatened. 

"They have explained to me that the car park and surrounding area is potentially often being used for illicit behaviours, and they feel uncomfortable. 

He continued: "We have a tenant who is residing in one of our properties – as a good landlord we should do everything in our power to ensure the tenant does not feel intimidated and insecure in a property we have a duty of care over." 

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In relation to concerns raised by fellow councillor Hannah Williams about allowing Ring Doorbell owners Amazon surveillance access to the area, Cllr Nix said: "There are well documented guidelines for the use of recording devices on the exterior of properties." 

Councillor Christoper Clark also said there were Ring doorbell cameras all over the town. 

The town council agreed that the clerk should get some quotes to make the building warmer and more energy efficient and allow the tenant to install a new floor and a temporary structure at the side. 

The owner of the dance studio has been contacted for a comment.