ACTION has been promised to tackle issues of drug drops and abscondments from a prison in Appleton Thorn. HMP Thorn Cross has seen five prisoners abscond over recent weeks, while politicians in the town have highlighted how attempts to smuggle drugs are making life for residents a misery. Local councillors and the area’s MP say they have held meetings with prison governors to address the concerns of residents and see what can be done. In response, they have been told that security has been stepped up and that action is being taken to bring those responsible to justice. Addressing the concerns, Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “This simply is not acceptable, and we need to see a concerted effort from both Cheshire Police and HMPS to tackle these illegal drugs drops into the prison estate.