PEOPLE passing on tip-offs about drug dealers to police shouldn't expect an immediate response, a public meeting has heard.

Insp Grant Ardern told Halton police forum that it was not realistic to expect personal updates and instant arrests.

He said: "There is this perception that the police are going to come out at the snap of the fingers for every call, but we can't do that."

He said a tip-off could lead to months of covert surveillance, not an immediate arrest.

And he added that the Halton drugs team were proving 'very, very good' at locking up dealers.

Runcorn residents had been asking him about drug dealing in a town centre park and about needles found by the canal, at last Tuesday's public participation meeting.

Insp Ardern said: "When you have got information you don't just run out straight away and arrest someone, it doesn't work like that.

"You need to get all the information and evidence you can.

"Who else is involved? Where do they come from?

"The original information could be an absolute goldmine."