Death threats made in Clarkson’s farm shop row

An unnamed Oxfordshire councillor and a member of the public have received death threats over their opposition to Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm expansions.

West Oxfordshire District Council said it had taken safety measures to protect councillors, staff and residents since the death threats were made following the airing of Clarkson’s Farm 2 on Amazon Prime in February.

See also: Clarkson’s Farm 2 prompts mass support for British farming

A council spokesman said: “Unfortunately, we have had to take safety precautions following a number of threats and abuse directed at councillors and local people since the airing of season two of Clarkson’s Farm.

“This has included death threats and as a result we have had to consider a range of safety measures to protect councillors, staff and residents. 

“We understand people may not agree with decisions taken by the council, but there is no place for threatening or abusive behaviour. It damages the democratic process when people feel intimidated and do not feel safe to express the opinions they are entitled to.”

At least one of the threats has been reported to Thames Valley Police, the spokesman added.

West Oxfordshire District Council issued an enforcement notice against Mr Clarkson in August 2022, ordering the closure of his restaurant at the site in Chadlington, near Chipping Norton.

The Planning Inspectorate is holding a two-day hearing from 14-15 March for the former Top Gear presenter’s appeal against the council’s refusal to grant him planning permission to extend his farm shop car park.

Mr Clarkson is also appealing against the council’s decision to shut down his restaurant over an alleged planning law breach.

The Planning Inspectorate is expected to reveal its decision in two weeks.