A council which has come under fire in the new series of Clarkson’s Farm has commented on the tourism which Jeremy Clarkson brings to Oxfordshire.
West Oxfordshire District Council has faced a backlash from fans of the Prime Video show after quarrelling with the former Top Gear star at several points.
This included the council threatening to enact an enforcement notice on the farm shop in Chadlington to stop it from selling non-local food.
Anger among fans led to the council issuing an initial statement about the newly released third season of Clarkson’s Farm.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson frenzy as hundreds race to Clarkson's Farm
After the new episodes were released, tourism at Diddly Squat Farm has soared with visitors from across the globe visiting the attraction near Chipping Norton.
Despite opposing Mr Clarkson at several hurdles in the show, West Oxfordshire District Council has commended the tourist aspect that the farm brings.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, a council spokesperson said: “The work Diddly Squat Farm is doing to highlight the wider challenges faced by farmers is commendable and we have always recognised the benefits the farm shop brings to the local economy.
“However, as a planning authority, we have a responsibility to make sure that national and local planning laws and policies are followed correctly by everyone.
READ MORE: Clarkson's Farm star meets fans in shock public appearance
Missed a copy of the Oxford Mail you wanted? Here's what to dohttps://t.co/n1aacoWEDF
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) February 22, 2024
“We must be fair and so we apply the same laws and rules to Diddly Squat Farm in the same way as any other business.
“We continue to support farm diversification to help local farmers bring in income and we have recently committed to providing more support to local farmers.
“This includes exploring making it easier for farmers to diversify, supporting local food production and calling on Government to support the Get Fair about Farming campaign to ensure supermarkets stick to fair buying agreements.”
The tourism boom has been in full swing at the farm as one staff member confirmed to the Oxford Mail on Saturday, May 4, that it had not been that busy since mid-summer last year.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson talks about ending Clarkson's Farm series
Mr Clarkson addressed the problem on X and said: “We have plans to solve this. And are working flat out on them.”
In a substantial surge, Google searches for “Where is Clarksons Farm?” experienced a 312 per cent increase since the new season’s release.
A sharp increase in searches for 'Diddly Squat Farm Shop' has also occurred, up 340 per cent earlier this month.
An increase in Google traffic showcases the popularity of the series itself and the growing tourism impact the show brings to Oxfordshire.
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here