Trowbridge Blind House an 'absolute disgrace' amid weed problem

Cllr Glyn Bridges said the historic Blind House near the town bridge in a "dire state".

The Grade II listed two cell lock-up, dated 1757, will likely be one of the top attractions for visitors during this year’s Heritage Open Days from September 6 to 15.

Cllr Bridges said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. I could not believe the number of weeds that have been allowed to grow around the Blind House. It is pretty bad.

“It is the town council’s building and it's their responsibility to look after it.”

The two plaques on the wall of The Blind House in Trowbridge reveal its history. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Bridges said the Blind House was the only building that Trowbridge Town Council owned when the council was formed in the mid-1970s.

It seems to have been neglected in recent months and the entrance and outside are covered in weeds, leaves and other debris, Cllr Bridges said.

This year’s weather has resulted in weeds blossoming around the town with some weeds now several feet high.

Weeds several feet high surround the historic Blind House in Wicker Hill, Trowbridge. Trevor Porter (Image: Trevor Porter)

The town council has recently launched a campaign to tackle weeds in the worst spots but has yet to get around to the Blind House.

Trowbridge Town Council leader, Cllr Stewart Palmen said: "The Blind House area has been hard to maintain while the works on Wicker Hill have been ongoing. There was a works compound situated there which limited access.

"The compound has now been removed the area will be weeded and cleaned well in advance of the Heritage Open Day period.

"We are looking forward to the town showing off all its major heritage assets, remembering that we have more listed buildings here in Trowbridge than they do in Bradford on Avon.

"The Town Bridge Blind House will be open to the public on 14th of September and I plan to take a look myself."