The infant and junior schools in Margaret Road, Headington, Oxford, were so overcrowded some pupils had to be taught in corridors.

And that wasn’t the only problem. Some children had to have their lunch in their classrooms, outside lavatories had no washbasins, classrooms and the main hall were too small and play space was inadequate.

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The school’s parent-teacher association invited the city’s MP, Monty Woodhouse, education officials and the Oxford Mail to see for themselves the difficulties the schools worked under in 1973.

Association members were concerned that the problems would get worse when comprehensive education was introduced.

They wanted to see a new school built on a three-acre site owned by the city council in nearby Windmill Road.

However, the Government had given priority in its improvement programme to schools built before 1904 and the Headington buildings dated from 1907.

And Headington wasn’t first in the queue in the city for work – that doubtful accolade belonged to South Oxford School.

Pupils eat lunch in a classroom (Image: Oxford Mail)

After his 75-minute inspection, Mr Woodhouse said: “The school has very serious problems of congestion and inconvenience and in my judgement, has a very good case for a renewal, which can only take the form of rebuilding.

“We have discussed how best to present the case and I have said I will give the best support and advice I can.”

He said the Department for Education would not consider Headington’s case until it had made a decision on South Oxford’s bid for money.

But he added he would do all he could do to highlight Headington’s problems, including making a direct approach to the Education Secretary in writing or, if necessary, by a deputation.

Parents who met Mr Woodhouse said they had no quarrel with the education given at the school or the principle of the proposed comprehensive schooling, but they were worried about the space problem.

Among those who joined the MP on the tour of the school were the city’s chief education officer, John Garne, his deputy, Mr J F Thorne, and the chairman of the school managers, Alderman Dora Carr.

Improvements were eventually carried out, much to the relief of pupils, staff and parents – and life became much happier for pupils and staff at the school.

Conservative Mr Woodhouse was MP for Oxford from 1959 to 1966, and again from 1970 to 1974.

He was also a visiting Fellow at Nuffield College from 1956 to 1964.

John Garne Way, off Marston Road, is named in honour of John Garne.

His major achievement was to supervise the amalgamation of the city and county’s education services in 1974. He died in 2004.

It aims to improve on the party’s four seats, as up to 18 candidates hope to bag a seat in 16 wards. One councillor, Fiona Mawson in Kidlington East, is re-standing.

Ian Middleton, leader of the Green Party at the District Council, said his party is unique as it listens to residents and responds directly to their needs and concerns.

He said: “Our Councillors are challenging inappropriate and opportunistic developments in the heart of our communities, especially on green field sites.

“We recognise the need for much more affordable housing and continue to press for that, despite government policies which guarantee developers a profit whilst pricing local families out of the housing market.

“We’re also opposing new government policies that will remove almost all democratic accountability over local planning decisions.

“We’ve engaged with County, Town and Parish colleagues to help residents facing the misery of repeated flooding events, providing practical solutions as well as working on the root causes such as climate change and poor drainage infrastructure.

“On the local environment, Greens have delivered on our promise to introduce kerbside glass collection, allowing residents to recycle jars and bottles at home in their blue bins.

“This has enabled the removal of almost all bottle banks, along with the fly-tipping they often attract. We’ve also instigated the conversion of council bin lorries to biofuel, which will cut our net emissions by up to 30 per cent.

“Potholes and broken paths have, of course, been of huge concern.  Whilst roads are not under District Council control, we are pressing national government for a solution and lobbying for a ‘Roads Reset’ to allow for reinstatement rather than more patching.

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“County Greens also added nearly £1m to the county budget as a ringfenced fund for repairs to paths and pavements.

“We’re working with local action groups to strengthen responses to climate change, the increased cost of living and to combat attempts to divide our neighbourhoods.

“We want to see more united communities facilitated by local action backed by council funding and hands-on support. 

“We’re also helping local businesses with innovative ideas and practical solutions, especially on regenerating our failing high streets and town centres.

“This will be your last opportunity to vote for a district councillor ahead of fundamental changes to local government.

“No matter what the future looks like, your Green vote on May 7th will help us do much more to ensure you and your family have a cleaner, healthier, greener and more prosperous place to live.”

The ongoing incident first started earlier this evening (Saturday, May 2) on Cowley Road in the city.

Thames Valley Police cars arrived at the scene along with several Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines.

Police officers cordoned off the scene with crime scene tape while firefighters tackled the smoke.

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Members of the public were warned to get back, away from the smoke, with many left scared of what was happening.

An onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, has told this newspaper: “I have never seen anything like this.

“I felt that flames would explode wider in the area; it is so scary.

“I don’t know if the black smoke could be toxic or harmful, so the rest of the public and I got a good distance away from the area quickly.

“When the incident happened, there was only one police car, but then the fire engines arrived not long after- they are so quick.

“Then more police cars came.”

Both Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for comment on the situation.