A GREENOCK woman says she was shocked to receive a ‘bombshell bill’ for over £1,400.

Mary Scott says she was flabbergasted when she was informed ‘out of the blue’ that she owes £1,428 in council tax arrears dating back 19 YEARS.

Despite Inverclyde Council chiefs insisting the Quarrier Street resident has been properly billed, Mary says she is baffled by the charge, which includes subcharges and expenses for a sheriff officer.

She told the Telegraph that she believed she had cleared all her debt to the local authority, adding: “I’m devastated and shocked, to say the least.

“The bill has been a total bombshell.

“I had just finished paying up £3,000 in tax arrears last month and was on the phone to the council about a ridiculous 70 pence surcharge on that bill when they turned around and said I owed them another £1,428.

“When the woman I was speaking said that I almost broke down as I had previously been told that I had paid everything back.

“I just couldn’t believe it.” But bosses at Inverclyde Council today moved to clear up any confusion and insist that Mary does owe the money.

A spokesman said: “Council tax debt requires to be paid to fund essential local services used by the whole community.

“We would not routinely discuss publicly the detail of someone’s personal financial circumstances.

“However we can confirm that this money is owed.

“We have informed the resident of the current position and informed her that she should make contact with our financial services department to make arrangements to pay this outstanding amount.”