Community charity benefits following cannabis farm in Ellesmere Port

A community charity has received thousands of pounds worth of equipment thanks to the discovery of a cannabis farm in Ellesmere Port.
 
On Wednesday 10 November officers discovered a large cannabis farm in a business premises on Rivington Road.
 
Following the discovery officers dismantled the farm and all of the drugs were sent for destruction. 
 
However, the team were left with thousands of pounds worth of specialist planting equipment, including water pumps, wall fans, plant pots and soil.
 
Rather than let the equipment go to waste, officers decided to donate it to Bridge Community Farm – a working farm in Ellesmere Port that brings together people from the local community and offers those in need a helping hand.
 
As part of their work, they offer permanent and sustainable jobs to people who are long-term unemployed, by growing and selling fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs to the local community.
 
The charity also offers a therapeutic environment for people living with mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as people with physical and learning disabilities. 
 
Inspector Paul Fegan, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, said: “Throughout the pandemic the Bridge Community Farm has provided and invaluable service to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, so when we recovered all the equipment they were the first charity that came to mind. 
 
“We know the long term damage that illegal drugs can have on our community, so it is great to see something positive come out on this occasion.”
 
Clair Johnson, general manager at Bridge community farms C.I.C, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed with how much equipment we have received from the local officers.
 
“These items will not only help us financially, but will also help ensure that we are able to continue the voluntary work we carry out at the farm long into the future.”