Medway Council is considering banning adverts for payday loans.

Leader Cllr Rodney Chambers (Con) said the authority is considering outlawing the promotions on billboards and bus stops.

"We will consider what we can do legally as far as banning the adverts," he said.

"We will then give consideration when we know what we can do to how we can do it."

Labour member Tristan Osborne wrote to Cllr Chambers this week, calling for a ban.

The Luton and Wayfield councillor also wants to see their websites blocked in libraries and community centres, following the lead of Plymouth Council.

"It is clear that Medway could be doing a lot more to help our residents to fight this scourge," Cllr Osborne wrote.

He called on Cllr Chambers to “send a message” and warned: "If you ignore this letter and its contents I believe this would send the wrong message about those you purport to represent.

"I hold this truth that we are all judged by how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; this is an ethical and moral cause that is simply the right and just thing to do."

Payday lenders have been criticised by councillors and Medway Citizens Advice Bureau for preying on the vulnerable and causing misery for residents.

The annual interest rate on a loan can be as high as 5,000%.

Russell Hamblin-Boone, chief executive of the Consumer Finance Association, which represents payday lenders like The Money Shop and Quick Quid, said: "Medway Council is clearly entitled to take any action it deems necessary and we would support any initiatives that drive out irresponsible lenders.

"However, we would be concerned that, without evidence of its impact, this action prevented people in Medway having access to responsible credit providers.

"Responsible lenders explain the costs up front in pounds and in pence; use credit reference agencies to check your details and will not lend to you if they think it will make your financial situation worse."