The Gazette in Blackpool has taken its fight to ban the sale of knives to under 18s to the Houses of Parliament – and been given political support by Home Office minister Hazel Blears.

The newspaper launched its War on Knives in November, after carrying out an investigation which revealed how readily available pocket money-priced designer knives were on the streets of Blackpool.

Under current law it is illegal to sell knives to under-16s – but the Gazette wants the Government to increase that age to 18.

The campaign soon received the support of local residents, MPs and resort officials, and the Gazette crime reporter James Higgins has now taken the fight to the House of Commons.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden, Hazel Blears and James Higgins study the document

He travelled to Westminster to meet the Home Office minister, and handed over a dossier of information about the War on Knives, including a petition signed by hundreds of residents.

Mrs Blears said: “When I heard about the War on Knives I thought first of all, that it was an excellent example of a local newspaper reflecting the views of its community – I think this is an issue of widespread concern.”

The matter has now been placed in the hands of the Association of Chief Police Officers, which is debating whether or not there is scope for a change in the law.

They are expected to report back to Mrs Blears within the next two months.

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