POLICE in Warrington called time on more than 300 of the town's fine dodgers this week, offering one last chance to pay up or face arrest.

A joint operation between police and local warrant enforcement officers saw more than 300 letters sent out to fine defaulters warning them to turn up to a bail surgery held at Warrington Magistrates Court on Monday.

For the 135 who failed to attend, the message was clear: officers will track them down to their homes or place of work.

A total of £26,000 worth of fines were dealt with and £2,400 were paid.

One person was arrested and detained overnight to appear in court the following day.

Warrington's operations manager Superintendent Gary Finchett, said: "The police and courts will not tolerate fine dodgers who think they can flout the law and get away with not paying money they owe to the courts. Fines are a punishment and not paying them is not an option."