Residents react to a police raid on a former Barclays Bank on Consett Front Street.
Armed police showed up before the busy morning. A shop owner saw them with guns on his security camera. He mentioned it while getting ready to open his shop. Someone else on Front Street saw it too.
They spotted large vans and armed officers. A drone flew overhead, plus undercover cars. John from Winlaton shops there often. He said armed police are unusual here.
People saw suspected cannabis plants inside. Someone smelled it for months. Even with the raid, some like Consett. One person thinks its future looks bright.
Margaret, who has lived there forever, agrees. She recalled a big raid last year too. She feels the town’s doing well, despite empty buildings. John thinks deserted buildings hurt Consett a bit.
Durham police explained their activity. They said they cannot share details just now. It’s all due to the operation they are running.