A historic building in Trowbridge is being guarded by police after reports that a suspected cannabis factory may be inside.

Police received reports, on Tuesday, July 23, alerting them to the Grade II* listed Handle House 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.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We responded to reports of a possible cannabis factory on Stallard Street, Trowbridge, just before 9am this morning.

“The electricity company were contacted to make the building safe, and our investigation is still ongoing.”

Forensic investigation officers have since been seen at the property after a member of the public alerted police to the area.

Police have sealed off Handle House and are now standing guard outside the historic property where the cannabis farm was found. Trevor Porter 22743-2Police have sealed off Handle House. (Image: Trevor Porter)

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.”

The broken down Heras fencing and an open door alerted a passer-by who then smelt an incredibly strong aroma of cannabis. Trevor Porter 22743-3The broken down Heras fencing. (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 teazle 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.

The 1,834 sq ft property was extensively refurbished prior to 2016 to provide quality commercial office space.

The refurbishment retained the building’s period features, such as oak floors and timber panelled walls and the interior was modernised.

Perimeter cabling, mounted spotlights and uplighters, electric wall-mounted heaters and an alarm were installed.