RESIDENTS’ mystery headaches have been cured after police discovered a secret cannabis farm hidden in a former dog grooming parlour.

The Cinderford town centre site, yards from the Lidl supermarket and close to homes, was full of plants and hydroponic equipment worth around £10,000.

Some pensioners who didn’t recognise the pungent smell wafting fom the former Masie Mo Dog Groomings premises had complained of suffering headaches.

But since Forest police smashed their way in at 11am on Friday, February 2, residents have been able to breathe more easily.

Forest police inspector Andy Hodgetts said: “The feedback we are getting is that some people were suffering ill-effects such as headaches, which can probably be attributed to the can­nabis.

“I don’t know what the science is, but I know exposure can give people headaches, including me, so we are pleased to have such a positive outcome.”

No arrests have been made yet, but another raid two days later at 4am at a house in Spout Lane, Coleford, near the town police station, led to the arrest of a man and a woman on suspicion of dealing drugs. The duo have been released pending further inquiries.

Insp Hodgetts said the success of the two raids, which followed tip offs, was down to a mix of neighbourhood policing and a new Forest investigations team.

“Because of the new way of doing things – everything begins and ends with neighbourhood policing – we now have a bespoke team which can be proactive instead of being reactive,” he said.

“Both raids followed tip offs from concerned local residents. We now have the manpower to properly investigate these reports and this is only the start.”

Each room at the former Parragate Road dog parlour, which has also been an RSPCA office, contained tents filled with cannabis plants, lighting and watering equipment and fans. Smaller saplings were in one room, and larger plants in another, showing they were regularly tended.

The windows were covered with thick material for insulation and to prevent anyone seeing what was going on.

Forest police tweeted at the time of the raid: “Police acting on information received executed a drugs warrant in Cinderford this morning.

“A large quantity of mature and infant plants were seized and equipment dismantled. Enquiries are ongoing. 

“Please continue to let us know about any suspicious behaviour you see.”