Businesses in Bradford Leigh have expressed their shock following a drugs raid at Fairfield Piggeries which saw an estimated £225,000 worth of cannabis plants seized last week.

Nearby residents were all intrigued on Wednesday when they heard police at the premises in Leigh Road.

The bust, part of a joint operation between Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset Police forces, saw around 600 plants in various stages of growth taken from the site as well as seven guns.

Desmond Compton, 81, of neighbouring Fairfield Farm, said: “It was a huge surprise, I saw the police and I didn’t know what was going on.

“It is quite a shock to see something like that happen right next door.

“We’ve had quite a few people contact us about it and I just wanted to let everyone know that whatever has been going on it is nothing to do with Fairfield Farm and I don’t want to be associated with those problems.”

As part of the raid, three men were arrested at Fairfield Piggeries while another was arrested in Stoke St Michael, in Somerset.

The closure of the cannabis factory has been a talking point at local pub The Plough all week.

Fred Ingram, who has owned The Plough for five years, said: “We are very pleased to hear such a huge production of drugs has been effectively closed down and now we just want the situation dealt with and put to bed.

“I think the surprising thing was the sheer amount that was raided and I sincerely hope our enforcement agencies continue to enforce the law.”

A 61-year-old man from Trowbridge, a 60-year-old man from Bradford Leigh, a 60-year-old man from Radstock and a 22-year-old man from Melksham arrested over cultivating cannabis have been released on bail while inquiries continue.