Cannabis factory found in Halesowen

?A cannabis factory with 30 plants has been discovered in Halesowen.

The find at former business premises in Long Lane was made after nearby residents reported that they had become concerned about a lingering smell they noticed in the area.

Police Community Support Officer Chris Ellis said: "We always take information about the cultivation of cannabis very seriously."

He said people had reported a strange smell in the area.

It is thought the plants could have yielded thousands of pounds worth of cannabis.

Police were called out to the scene shortly after 11.15am yesterday.

They found a heating, lighting and ventilation system had been set up inside the premises.

Traders in the area today expressed their shock at the discovery in the vacant building.

Jane Turley, manager of Shapers Beauty Clinic next door to the raided building, said she had often seen cars parked outside the front with people inside but had "thought nothing of it".

"I was a bit worried — I half-thought they might be checking out the salon to break in," said Mrs Turley.

"But then I just forgot about it really. I thought maybe it was young lovers or something like that.

"I am very shocked — it's not something you expect to be going on on your doorstep."

A man was arrested in connection with the cannabis find and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

It was the latest in a series of police raids on cannabis factories in the Black Country.