13/09/11 - Busking rules clarified

Gloucester City Council has moved to clarify the rules surrounding busking in the city centre following a public debate over whether street entertainers should perform at The Cross.

Some groups and businesses operating nearby claimed that excessive noise from buskers was disturbing their activities, but many others are keen to see performances retained at the historic heart of the city.

The Council had proposed that entertainers used pitches in Northgate Street and outside the Guildhall in Eastgate Street. It is now undertaking a consultation on whether to promote busking on The Cross when events aren’t taking place nearby – and whether to continue to allow amplified music to be used.

The Council recently introduced a voluntary code of conduct for street entertainers urging them to book pitches in advance, The Council admits it has limited powers to deal with buskers, unless they are causing a “statutory nuisance”, but has pledged to put stronger enforcement arrangements in place if musical performances get too loud.

Council Leader, Paul James, explained: “The Cross is at the very heart of the city and is very popular with entertainers because of the heavy footfall in the area. However other   events also take place in the area, which is bound to happen in a vibrant city centre environment.  Our job is to try to find a happy medium between these competing demands.

“We love having good quality street entertainers in the city. The public enjoy them and they add to the vibrancy and the café culture that we are becoming well known for.

“Our Code of Conduct was heavily consulted upon only recently and gave us some clear results, so we don’t wish to re-open all of that.  However, we need to resolve the question of music on The Cross.  Some people have also suggested that we should ban amplified music, which personally I don’t favour, but we are using the opportunity to consult on this too.”

The busking voluntary code of conduct is available on the city council website at www.gloucester.gov.uk You can also have your say at www.gloucester.gov.uk/consultations. You can also email markets@gloucester.gov.ukor call 01452 505747.

End

PR/085/2011

September 13^th, 2011