October 7 1983 The City of London Corporation has admitted that it blundered in seeking to amend by-laws which protect Highgate Wood from development. But they claim it was a ghastly mistake rather than a sinister plot to help the Departme

25 years ago

October 7 1983

The City of London Corporation has admitted that it blundered in seeking to amend by-laws which protect Highgate Wood from development. But they claim it was a "ghastly mistake" rather than a sinister plot to help the Department of Transport push through its controversial Archway Road scheme. Objectors to the Archway Road widening scheme say that it is symptomatic of the City's lax attitude to defence of the wood - a section of which the Department of Transport must acquire if its widening plan is to go ahead.

Camden's Tory councillors will demand an immediate freeze on staff recruitment when the council meets in October. That is the opposition's first response to the forecast given secretly to the ruling Labour group last week that the rates are heading for a 20 per cent rise next April.

Islington Health Authority has set itself up in direct opposition to the Government by refusing to implement any job cuts. Members voted to defy Government orders which would have meant the loss of 101 jobs, including those of doctors and nurses, at the Whittington Hospital and the Royal Northern.

A draft plan calling for the closure of the 240-bed Royal Northern Hospital in Holloway Road within the next 10 years has been released for public comment. The plan aims to meet cuts of up to £6 million by 1993.

A Neighbourhood Watch scheme involving a partnership between the police and the public is to be launched by Christmas in Hampstead Garden Suburb, in an attempt combat the rising number of unsolved burglaries there.