Jeremy Clarkson’s decision to temporarily shut Diddly Squat Farm Shop has been welcomed as a “sensible thing to do” by councillors.
The popular shop in Chadlington, which was opened by the former Top Gear host in 2020, has closed its doors until Friday, March 1.
Disappointed fans have taken to social media to share their dismay at the shop's temporary closure which is an annual occurrence at this time of year.
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But councillors in the area have praised Mr Clarkson’s decision to close during the quieter winter months.
“It’s quite sensible,” said Dean Temple, a West Oxfordshire district councillor for Chadlington and Churchill.
“If you have a business, whether it’s a pub or a restaurant, it makes sense to do any refurbs when it’s quiet.
“The farm shop is very popular in the summer, but we’ve just had Christmas and nobody’s got any money and it's cold and wet and damp.”
Mr Temple voted against Mr Clarkson's planning application for a restaurant at the shop during a controversial planning row in 2022.
He said he suffered vile abuse from “all over the world” after the planning decision was featured in the Amazon Prime TV series Clarkson's Farm.
“We’ve had our clashes in the past but it’s a wonderful resource for the area, with people travelling from all over the world to visit,” said Mr Temple.
“It’s good for the area, except for the parking but that’s something we’re working through.”
Fellow district councillor Liam Walker, who represents Hailey, Minster Lovell, and Leafield, added that Diddly Squat staff deserved a break.
“I think the Diddly Squat team deserve a well-earned rest and they will be back open in no time,” he said.
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“I’m just glad I stocked up on some Hawkstone beers and ciders before Christmas.
“Our local farmers and farm shops need our support now more than ever so I hope 2024 is a successful year for them and our local farmers in Oxfordshire.”
The councillors’ opinions were not shared by some would-be shoppers who were left disappointed by the temporary closure.
One wrote on social media: “Absolutely gutted you guys are shut. I booked a holiday for a couple of days this week from Lincoln to nearby to Diddly Squat Farm Shop to finally be able to visit. I guess I will have to take another holiday.”
Another added: 'Seriously. First time I went it was closed. Now flying over again end of February and it's closed again.”
A third said: “Update your Google… lots of people at the farm this morning.”
The temporary closure comes in the same week that Mr Clarkson submitted new plans to build a 36m-long barn at the site in Chipping Norton Road.
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