Police remain on scene after Trowbridge cannabis factory found

The cannabis factory was discovered in the morning on Tuesday, July 23 by a person passing by the historic Handle House close to The Shires shopping centre. 

The passer-by noticed that a Heras fence around the building was broken and that a door was open and then smelt an "incredibly strong" aroma of cannabis.

Police forensic officers investigate at the cannabis factory discovered at the Handle House Trevor Porter (Image: Trevor Porter)

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “A cannabis factory was located in Trowbridge this morning.

“Officers were called to Stallard Street shortly before 9am today following a report from a member of the public that a disused building was insecure and there was suspected cannabis plants growing inside.

“The electricity board was notified and has attended the scene to ensure it is safe for officers to continue with enquiries.

“We remain on scene carrying out these enquiries and would urge anyone with information to call 101 and quote log number 59 of July 23."

Police forensic officers photograph the scene at the cannabis factory discovered at Handle House. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The cannabis factory was found in the Grade II* listed property overlooking the River Biss in Stallard Street.

The historic property has since been sealed off and police are standing guard outside while forensic investigations take place.

Sarah Moore, manager at The Shires shopping centre, said: “Some Heras fencing appeared about two weeks ago around the property.

“We thought nothing of it because it is a familiar sight in Trowbridge but this morning a passer-by noticed the fence was broken down and a door was open.

“He then smelt an incredibly strong smell of cannabis and called the police.”

Trowbridge Town Council leader, Stewart Palmen said: “I rode past there this morning and talked to the police, definitely cannabis (some of it visible on the tarmac) and the air was thick with its smell. I wonder how big an operation it was?”

Police guard the scene where a cannabis factory was discovered at the historic Handle House in Trowbridge. Trevor Porter 22743-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The historic Handle House was built in the 1840s lies behind the Studley Mills and is situated on a segmental bridge over the River Biss. It is close to The Shires shopping centre and the Asda multi-storey car park.

The unique property was built between 1843-1848 for teasel drying for Trowbridge’s once-famous cloth market hence the heavily perforated brickwork wall panels on all facades.

There were once three buildings like this in Trowbridge but it is thought that Handle House is now the only survivor of its kind in the UK.

At the time of writing no arrests have been made.