This week 30 years ago: Budget crisis at Islington Council

Islington Council was facing a cash crisis.

In a striking parallel to the budget problems the town hall is facing in 2017, the council was being forced to make huge cutbacks of £30million.

It meant Philip Aldis, director of recreation services, suggested the closure of a swimming pool and pruning of services at Finsbury Library in St John Street and North Library in Manor Gardens, Holloway.

Meanwhile, police were warning women to be on their guard after three people were attacked in their own homes.

The Gazette reported on the horrific ordeal of one woman who was raped by a man. Armed with a gun and knife, he had been lying in wait when she returned to her Holloway home from a party.

Two other women were attacked by burglars in Westbourne Road, Holloway, and Thornhill Road, Barnsbury.

Det Insp Malcolm Gregory said: “We don’t think these attacks are linked but we are keeping an open mind.”