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Lancaster University rent strike, 1974-5


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As mentioned in my gallery on University Radio Bailrigg in the mid-1970s, there was a rent strike in 1974-5, which did severe damage to the relationship between the students and the administration (here's vice-chancellor Charles Carter).
It began in the Michaelmas term of 1974
Dragging on into 1975, it was at least a boon to campus media:
- but in March 1975, a bad situation was made worse by a heavy-handed action against a Cartmel College student.

The Student's Union consequently occupied the university offices in Alexandra Square.

Speeches were made in the square.
So the University authorities called in the experts.
The next move came in May, when debt recovery proceedings were initiated against strikers.
The repercussions of the strike and occupation dragged on right through the next academic year too.