ACTION has been demanded to curb the number of payday loan stores and betting shops in poorer areas.

The Scottish Government has been asked to look at using planning laws to limit the high number of shops near to each other in particular areas.

MSPs at the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee were warned people with gambling problems can lose cash on betting machines then pop next door to a payday loan shop to borrow cash and lose even more, racking up hundreds of pounds worth of debt.

Jonathan McColl, leader of the SNP group on West Dunbartonshire Council took his petition to Holyrood.

He said while gambling is reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government can limit shops similar to the alcohol licensing system.

He said: "We need to stop the proliferation of betting and loan shops in deprived areas.

"They're taking advantage of low rents and saturating these areas.

"In affluent areas there are an average of five betting shops per 100,000 people, in deprived areas the number is 12."

David Stewart, Convener of the Petitions Committee, agreed with the petition and said it should be taken further.

He said: " We should write to the Gambling Commission and Association of British Bookmakers."

Concerns have grown about the increasing number of pay day loan companies opening on high streets, charging high interest for short term loans.

Financial advice services have warned statutory regulation is needed to tackle the high interest rates and ensure customers are better protected.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk