Southend Council has issued a warning over a scam where residents are receiving text messages about parking fines.

The council say they are aware of a scam where people are receiving text messages stating they have a Penalty Charge Notice and a link to pay.

Bosses have branded this as a scam, and say Southend Council will never text residents about a Penalty Charge Notice.

Further advice states that residents will only receive a notice as a physical ticket on a vehicle or a letter to the registered keeper address associated with the vehicle.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: "We are aware of a scam where people are receiving text messages stating they have a Penalty Charge Notice and a link to pay.

"This is a scam.

"Please ignore these texts and do not click the link to make a payment."