A SUMMIT to tackle the high number of pay day lenders and gambling outlets on high streets will be held it has been announced.

Derek Mackay, local government minister announced he would convene a meeting to look at how their presence could be limited.

Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris had raised the over provision of high interest lenders on high streets, particularly in deprived communities, and asked for a 'summit' to investigate how to reduce their presence.

Mr Doris said they only bring misery and more debt charging people on low incomes exorbitant rates of interest.

He said: "Glasgow has many town centres distinctly different from the city centre.

"There are a lot of less desirable businesses trading in our high streets, so called pay day lenders who add nothing except perhaps misery.

"They only push people further into debt. It is no accident that pay day lenders should be locating next to communities struggling financially."

Mr Doris said such businesses were highly visible in Maryhill, Springburn Rutherglen and all across Scotland charging "rip off rates".

Mr Mackay made the commitment during a debate about the Scottish Government's Town Centre Action Plan.

In trying to help regenerate town centres and boost businesses he said there were some types of business from which an increased presence was not desired.

He said: "I can commit to the serious request from Bob Doris to tackle some businesses that we don't want to see more of, be it gambling or pay day lenders.

"I will convene a summit to look at clamping down on these activities and do so on a cross party basis."

"I am concerned by the increase in payday lending and gambling businesses on our high streets. Solving this requires working with partners in local government and elsewhere.

"A great many people are involved in maintaining the health of Scottish towns. That is why I want to bring key organisations together to discuss how we tackle this problem."

Glasgow City Councillor Paul Rooney said: "Every single tier of government has powers it can use to help protect communities from predatory lenders and it can use them right now.

"I'm glad to see Ministers have had a change of heart; but this summit can't just be a picture opportunity.

"The problem needs meaningful change and serious, long-term commitment from everyone around the table."

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk