CAMPAIGNERS who were trolled by Jeremy Clarkson fans after calling for his sacking hope the country can now focus on more important issues following his dismissal.

Brighton residents Nicole Healing and Jo Knell had their petition answered after the BBC confirmed they will not renew Clarkson’s contract following a report into an alleged physical assault on his producer.

However, they won’t be popping open the champagne just yet as the controversial presenter continues to dominate the news agenda.

Ms Healing launched the petition, which attracted more than 56,000 signatures, but also scores of hateful messages from Clarkson fans.

She decided to take action after reading a blog by her friend Ms Knell who has cancer. She posted a piece highlighting the lack of public interest in petitions for cancer drug funding compared to the petition to keep Clarkson in his job.

In confirming the cutting of ties with the BBC, director-general Tony Hall said the Top Gear presenter's attack on producer Oisin Tymon meant "a line has been crossed".

He now faces the possibility of police action after the "unprovoked" attack left the producer seeking hospital treatment.

Sussex-based petrol-head celebrities Jodie Kidd and Chris Evans have been installed as public favourites to take over from the controversial presenter while Katie Price is an outside bet at 60/1.

Ms Knell, whose blog has now been adapted for The Huffington Post, said: “Clarkson is now sacked but my cancer's still here.

“Perhaps the population can stop signing petitions defending abusive celebrities and concentrate on life extending drugs to benefit all.”

Ms Healing said: “I’m pleased that the appropriate action has been taken, celebrity is often king and they can seem infallible so I’m pleased from that perspective.”

She reported all offensive messages sent to her to Facebook and the post was eventually removed on Tuesday at 5pm after The Argus contacted the social media giant.

Ms Healing said: “It’s worth noting that Facebook did eventually remove the post even if it was after The Argus contacted them.

“It will be interesting to see whether they adhere to their new community standards and I will be keeping an eye out for that.”