Forum Topic

Fire at Gypsy Corner?

Anybody know anything about what seems to be a fire at Gypsy Corner this evening? There were at least four appliances drawn up on the south east verge including a cherrypicker when I came down from N Acton just after 7 and a slight smell of smoke

Roy Gillett ● 4709d2 Comments

It was a fire in one of the derelict houses on the A40 - one that was probably compulsory purchased when they were going to improve the road junction. LFB website said:-"Twenty one firefighters and officers are tackling a blaze in a derelict two storey detached house on Gypsy Corner, Acton.Half of the first floor and roof are alight. There have been no reports of injuries..Four fire engines from Acton, Willesden, Park Royal and Ealing fire stations are at the scene.The Brigade was called at 1624."Traffic was being diverted down Leamington Park and then back up Horn Lane to join A40 again.

Amanda Knights ● 4708d

As far as I've heard (and this may be urban legend!)the reason that house was never demolished was that the lady who owned it took her case to the EU Court to try and stop the compulsory purchase order.  This is why it's the only one standing (aside from the one next door to support it I suppose).  It took years and she eventually lost.  In the meantime the road scheme was scrapped so all that demolition was pointless.  Such a sad story for people who lost their homes and were paid pittance for them.  I imagine anyone who did get screwed will be even more irritated to see they're going to put houses back up where they once told they could no longer live.You can see the house here http://www.derelictlondon.com/houses.html

Sarah Harris ● 4708d