Death threat for councillor who defied Clarkson

EXTRA security measures have been brought in for a town planning meeting about Jeremy Clarkson’s farm after a councillor opposing the Top Gear presenter’s plans received death threats.

West Oxfordshire district council revealed it had been made aware of malicious communications against an unnamed councillor and a member of the public who spoke out against Clarkson’s expansion plans.

The threats came after the broadcast of season two of Clarkson’s Farm last month, the council said.

The planning inspector is holding a hearing for the TV presenter’s appeal against the council’s refusal to grant planning permission for an extension to the car park at his shop, which is near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Clarkson is also challenging the council’s decision to shut down his restaurant on the same plot of land because he allegedly opened it without planning permission in July last year.

West Oxfordshire district council said it had put extra security measures in place for Tuesday’s hearing as a result of the threats.

The council said in a statement: “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 but there is no place for abusive behaviour.”