A county and district councillor has expressed his concerns about the opening of Jeremy Clarkson's new pub in the Cotswolds. 

The Clarkson's Farm star is due to open his new Cotswold Pub, The Windmill which is nestled in five acres of countryside near Burford, next weekend.

However, Liam Walker, county councillor for the Hanborough and Minster Lovell Division on Oxfordshire County Council, has stated he is concerned about the increase in traffic to the pub which sits next to a 'very busy and fast A40'.

Windmill pubWindmill pub (Image: Liam Walker)

In an online statement earlier this week, Mr Walker said: "Earlier today I had a meeting with our highways team to discuss the opening of Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub in a few weeks time.

"Many will know I’ve been hugely supportive of Jeremy’s work not just for the farming community but for his boost to the local economy in West Oxfordshire.

"This latest venture will no doubt be a huge success however I feel the county council needs to ensure lessons have been learnt from the farm shop particularly around the problematic verge parking.

"The pub location is not the same as the farm shop due to its location right next to a very busy and fast A40.

"The speed limit around the roundabout is going to be dropped from 60mph to 40mph and work is currently ongoing to improve bus connections by installing new bus stops and paths."

Mr Walker also expressed concerns about the parking in the area.

He added: "I have asked our team to investigate getting double yellows in place for the immediate area around the pub along with exploring the closure of the lay-by over the road.

"There seems to be a reluctance to do both these things and I know the Clarkson team are exploring the option to have a nearby field as another car park but this has yet to be confirmed.

(Image: Hakwstone)"We know fans from across the country are going to flock to his pub and I feel we have a responsibility to try and make the roads nearby safe for visitors and those passing by."

 

The former Top Gear host reportedly paid 'less than £1 million' for the watering hole but has recognised that lots of work needs to be done to get the location up to scratch.

Yet, he has since revealed on X on Thursday (August 15) that the pub will be opening as early as next week.