Parents rounded on “dictators” who planned to move their children to different schools.

London County Council officers wanted to redevelop Montern School, in Tollington Park, because of space shortage and inadequate toilet facilities.

Parents had a choice of schools in Isledon Road, Hornsey Lane, Sussex Ways or Pooles Park – but they weren’t happy.

Their main concerns were length of time to walk to school, and one father shouted at a public consultation meeting: “Have you come here with the intention of going through with this irrespective of what parents think? You are dictators overriding the majority of public feeling!”

The meeting chairman was forced to appeal for order as parents grew increasingly angry.