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The shores of Lake Como

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Hollywood actor leads residents' revolt - 25 June 2007

Ocean’s Thirteen star George Clooney is leading a revolt against plans by the mayor of Laglio, in Italy, where he has a luxury villa, to extend development in the town. The plans, which will cost the town $15 million (£7.5 million), are to build more parking spaces and a pontoon bridge to pass right in front of the actor’s villa, reports the BBC.

Should the plans go ahead, Mr Clooney is said to be prepared to leave the town on the shores of Lake Como. Laws are in place to protect the area, curbing further building along the shores of the lake, considered to be one of Italy’s finest, and where the rich and famous have always thought to be the perfect spot for mountain air, priceless views, and the seclusion of which they are so protective.

While it would be easy to accuse the actor of nimbyism (not-in-my-backyard), it appears that his protests are, at least in part, born out of his desire to keep Laglio small and unspoilt. He says that since he moved in in 2002, the town is being “reshaped in concrete”. The plans would not only put a floating bridge across the front of his property, but would also turn the small public beach next to his property into a piazza.

He said, “It’s got to stop. I don’t want my presence here affecting the local population. The building work is only being done because I live here. And unless it stops I’m going to have to move.”

The presence of the Hollywood star’s signature on the petition to stop the works is bound to attract plenty of curious observers, as well as give some welcome publicity to the campaign.

If you happen to be interested in purchasing the property — should Mr Clooney decide to vacate the town — be advised that he bought it in 2002 for a paltry $10 million (£5 million), and houses in the area are said to have tripled in value since then.

 

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