TV chef wins path closure fight to deter autograph hunters
GINO D’ACAMPO has won a planning battle to close a footpath close to his £1.2million house – to stop autograph hunters hounding him.
The This Morning chef has been locked in a row with his neighbours for over two years. He wanted the public path that leads from his drive to a doctors’ surgery and pharmacy shut because he gets pestered by fans.
The 43-year-old and wife Jessica, who have lived there for four years, said they wanted privacy for their three children.
But locals who live near his Grade-ii listed sevenbedroom town house in Hoddesdon, Herts, wanted to keep the thoroughfare open.
Former I’m a Celebrity star Gino, 43, has now come to an unusual agreement with the local council.
It has reached an independent legal agreement with the couple which will allow them to keep the footpath closed on evenings and weekends. It will only be open between 7:30am and 7pm Monday to Friday.
D’acampo’s wife Jessica explained in planning documents: “I just want my family which includes young children to feel safe and secure and have privacy. A couple of times I have had people in my garden taking pictures and there are frequent knocks on the door with people asking for pictures of Gino or signed books.”
Initially, the Celebrity Juice regular asked the council to close the footpath completely in 2017. The path leads along the side of the D’acampo home, which is protected by a high wooden fence and steel gates.
A notice was placed at the entrance path declaring it is not a “right of way” and warns walkers not to dawdle at any point.
Neighbours complained that the path has been open to the public for years and the chef should not be allowed to close it off.
Resident T Drackett said: “Since Mr and Mrs D’acampo purchased the premises, there has been nothing but obstructions. If they want peace and quiet in the evenings and at weekends, then purchase a property away from a busy town.”