Bedford’s local Labour candidate Patrick Hall is keen to spark a debate on payday loans in the town.

Debt agencies such as Bedford Credit Union, Money Advice, Family Groups, Salvation Army, Bedfordshire Advice Forum, and Christians Against Poverty will assemble to debate the problem of payday loans on March 28.

Members of the public are also invited to attend.

He said: “I want to see if we can get some wider interest from the public and I think it’s worth trying.

“These matters are not just national, they are happening on every street, they are coming from the cost of living pressures and rolling forward debts.

“It’s a community based thing led by charity and debt agencies who know what they are talking about.”

The Citizens Advice Bureau is campaigning for payday companies to fork out a levy charge.

Hall also hoped that a debt watch group could eventually be established in the area.

He added: “Often issues are flagged up nationally, and then people forget about it.

“I think this is something that can grind away day after day.

“Every town in Britain has a contribution to make. I’m seeing if there’s any interest in Bedford.”

The meeting will take place at St Peter De Merton Church Chapter House on De Parys Avenue, Bedford, from 7pm.