Thornton Heath Poundland has removed a display of large  knives for a sale in its shop window after being taken to task by residents and politicians.

The decision to sell the £1 large bladed knives has prompted widespread anger against the High Street store because of the recent knife attacks.

A video which was posted on Twitter shows Poundland in Thornton Heath promoting “big knives” in its shopfront window, right next to the entrance.

Lorraine King, Editor of the East London Advertiser,  posted the video on twitter on behalf of her friend Nicola Peters who took the footage. It has sparked debate among residents and politicians alike, who are furious with Poundland’s decision to display the knives.

This comes after a recent stabbing on Thornton Heath High Street and the murder of Jermaine Goupall, 15 who died after being stabbed in the thigh on Georgia Road, at the junction with Green Lane.

“As I’m walking past, right in the shop window, knives, big knives right in the shop window and the door is right (next to it),” Ms Peters says in the video. “This is a problem and I’m not happy abut it at all.”

Ms King said: “The lady who shot the video said the manager was dismissive but the security guard shared her concerns. It’s so irresponsible of @poundland.”

After the footage emerged and was shared by The Thornton Heath Chronicle a number of other residents said they had also contacted Poundland to complain about a similar display when the shop first opened.

Local resident Dédé Davi said: “@poundland why are you yet again selling knives in the shop window in an area which has seen people die from knife crime?”

Even Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones was appalled by the decision saying it was: “Shocking,” and adding: “I will write to @poundland about this. And looks like it goes against gov guidelines that @poundland have signed up to.”

The MP said on Twitter: “It looks like a breach to me. @poundland what do you have to say?”

The guidelines Ms Jones referred to is the ‘Sale of knives: voluntary agreement by retailers’ which Poundland have signed up for.

Part of the agreement states that: “Retailers will ensure knives are displayed and packaged securely as appropriate to minimise risk.

“This will include retailers taking practical and proportionate action to restrict accessibility and avoid immediate use, reduce the possibility of injury, and prevent theft.”

In response to this, a spokesperson for Poundland said: “Our strict policy is that knives are only sold in the home aisle, under CCTV where it’s in place, and in sealed packaging.

“Any deviations from this we will address quickly.”