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Death threats have been made against local community members who opposed the expansion of Jeremy Clarkson’s farm in Oxfordshire, UK.
They came after the TV presenter filed an appeal against the council, which rejected his request to extend the car park of the shop at Diddly Squat Farm. The farm, which keeps animals and grows crops, is located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
The threats are said to have been made after season two of Clarkson’s Farm aired on Amazon Prime on February 10.
West Oxfordshire District Council said that it’s aware of “malicious communications” to an unnamed councilor and member of the public who opposed the expansion. At least one has been reported to the police.
The council ramps up security
In response to the threats, added security measures were implemented for a hearing on the matter (which took place on Tuesday, March 14).
“Unfortunately we have had to take safety precautions following a number of threats and abuse directed at councilors and local people since the airing of season two of Clarkson’s Farm,” the council said, as per the Guardian. “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.”
Planning permission controversy
It was recently reported that Clarkson had been forced to shut down the restaurant on the farm. The council alleges that he did not have planning permission when he opened it in July 2022.
Clarkson is said to be challenging the decision. His team has stated that he is not guilty of breaching planning laws. They described the council decision to close the restaurant as “excessive.”
