Photos show inside Wiltshire's cannabis factory in Trowbridge

Police were first alerted to the cannabis factory 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 reportedly noticed that a fence around the building was broken and that a door was open. They said they then smelt an "incredibly strong" aroma of cannabis.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson confirmed: “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.

Police stack some of the cannabis plant containers on the lower floor of the building ready for disposal. Image: Trevor Porter 

“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."

Photographs taken by a Wiltshire Times photographer show scores of cannabis plants in containers.

The photos show the walls of the former commercial office space had been lined with polythene and sealed with tape.

After the discovery the building was sealed off and as of Wednesday, July 24 police were still standing guard outside while forensic investigations continue to take place.

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

Cannabis plants collected for disposal from Handle House. Image: Trevor Porter 

“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, Cllr Stewart Palmen has since questioned how big of an operation the cannabis factory was.

The historic Handle House was built in the 1840s. It 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.

Police at the scene. Image: Trevor Porter 

It was built 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.