Traders are being called on to take a stance against knife crime after Thornton Heath Poundland caused controversy last month when it put on sale a display of large  knives in its High Street shop window.

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

Following the backlash they removed the display. While we all know knives are easily accessible in most homes, businesses need to take a greater responsibility for the sale of knives.

In August, 15-year-old Jermaine Goupall became the latest young person to die when he was stabbed in Thornton Heath. Three teenagers have been charged with the schoolboy’s murder.

In the same month armed police attended another incident in Thornton Heath where a man who fled after being slashed across the back  took sanctuary in The Salvation Army shop and was given first aid by kind volunteers until paramedics arrived.

Caleb Lall-King, 20, of The Drive, was charged on Friday, September 1 with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and possession of a bladed or pointed article in connection with the incident on August 29.

Figures published by London Trading Standards show children as young as 13 continue to be sold knives across the capital despite it being illegal to sell knives to under 18s.

Croydon’s programme of test-purchasing exercises has seen a number of successful prosecutions of traders caught breaking the law.

In March The Best Bargain Centre shop  in Thornton Heath High Street was fined more than £2,000 after admitting selling knives to?children.

Cllr Hamida Ali, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice said: “Traders have a heavy duty of responsibility here, and should take every step to ensure that they and their staff don’t help knives to get into the wrong hands.”