Police try to slam brakes on Clarkson’s farm plans
WHEN Jeremy Clarkson hit a TV producer who failed to ensure he was provided with a hot dinner after a day on location filming Top Gear, he avoided police action after his victim declined to press charges.
Now, however, the petrolhead faces a battle with the boys in blue over the increasingly acrimonious row surrounding his farm shop.
I can disclose that Thames Valley Police has issued a formal warning about Clarkson’s plans to expand his Diddly Squat Farm shop, which has already attracted thousands of fans and caused traffic problems in his previously sleepy corner of the Cotswolds.
Clarkson, 61, whose Amazon Prime show about his efforts to become a farmer has been a big hit, plans to renovate another barn, leading to fears he wants to expand his business, which will also see a lambing shed converted into a 60-seat restaurant.
‘If this application has been made in anticipation of a future change of use application, there is potential for disruption in terms of highway safety and for a demand on policing being generated by the site,’ a Thames Valley Police official says in the missive to West Oxfordshire district council. ‘I strongly encourage the applicant to consult with me in the event that this agricultural building is considered for commercial use.’
Clarkson, who runs his shop with
glamorous 48-year-old girlfriend Lisa Hogan (pictured right), has told of how locals ‘give him the finger’ when he walks by, because they are so irked by his shop’s success.
Local Hilary Moore, a parish councillor for the Chadlington area, reckons the shop should be closed down, and wrote to the council, saying: ‘Our roads are clogged with traffic and the whole area is becoming a danger zone with fast cars showing off their speed on narrow lanes, and traffic queueing for a mile or so.’
Last week, Clarkson blasted those who have an issue with his shop as ‘red trouser wearers’, referring to the countryside toff uniform of choice. Let’s hope he’s in a better mood when the police turn up.