Council chiefs are set to ban their computers from accessing payday loan lenders’ websites as part of its crackdown on high-interest borrowing.

Under the measures, computers used by staff and the public in council-owned places such as libraries will find the sites offering loans at up to 17,203.7 per cent APR are blocked.

Brent Council is also seeking advice on whether they can ban the companies from advertising on council billboards and bus stops.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “Payday lending firms exploit people when they are at their lowest ebb. Brent Council will not stand idly by whilst these legal loan sharks grind down those in need into a spiral of depression, debt and dependence.

“It is vital that we try to help people during these tough economic times to make the best choices when in need of credit or a loan.

“Too many people have already been hoodwinked by slick expensive advertising and gimmicks when there are all too often more affordable and better options, such as credit unions, available. It is time for this to change.”

In March this year Brent teamed up with Camden Council to work together to tackle high interest loan companies which operate on Kilburn High Road.

Both local authorities are promoting credit unions as an alternative to high-interest borrowing.

Cllr Butt has also written to Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, urging him to join forces with the council and encourage other local authorities and public bodies across the capital to do the same.

Campaigners battling against the number of payday loan lenders in Kilburn are looking for volunteers to come on board.

Kilburn Fair Credit Campaign is holding an information day next Wednesday, September 18, when residents can find out more about their crusade.

The first event will be at Kingsgate Community Centre in Kingsgate Road, Kilburn, from 1-3pm, and the second at Advice4Renters, Willesden Lane, Kilburn, from 6 -8pm.

Potential volunteers interested in finding out more about the appeal can email kilburnFCC@gmail.com.