ANYONE passing this double fronted house in Ealing will see metal shutters on the windows, an overgrown garden and junk propped up against the fences.
But true detective fans will recognise the house as that belonging to Inspector Morse of the popular cult series first aired in the late 80s.
The house in Castlebar Park, Ealing, was used throughout the series of Inspector Morse, starring John Thaw and Kevin Whately, from 1987 until 2000 and after the end of the final series, developers threatened to demolish the house and build 21 flats.
But after English Heritage and campaigners including Victor Mishiku of the Covenant Movement stepped in, stating the house had a valuable visual contribution to the area, the plans were shelved.
Squatters made themselves at home in the once grand property and they have now been evicted by the new owners, Newcastle Building Society.
Don Liyanage who has lived next door for 30 years, said: "When I first moved here the house was occupied by tenants in five flats and the people were fairly elderly.
"The ownership of the house has changed hands often and an offshore company, Atlantic Investments bought the house with a view to knock it down and build 33 flats if it was merged with the house next door.
"Since 1999 the house has been an eyesore and as it stands, there is approval for conversion of the property from five to 11 flats.
"In 2006, the squatters moved into the garages and then into the house. The present owner has secured the building but it is ransacked inside.
"We still see Inspector Morse fans stand there looking at the ramshackled building and I still watch Morse and I'm sure for many people the house is nostalgic and they want to see it kept properly; not in its dilapidated state."
A spokesman from Newcastle Building Society, said: "We will continue with the plans to refurbish the property and the planning permission is in place to do so.
"We can confirm that the property was formally taken into possession by NBS during June 2009."
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