Unions sound concern at plan for buskers ban

COUNCIL PROPOSAL WILL 'HOLLOW OUT' CITY ARTS OFFER SAYS EQUITY

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

NEW proposals to crack down on busking and street preaching in Birmingham city centre have been slammed as “draconian”.

The city council said it was considering the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to combat ‘excessive noise levels’ in a number of streets.

This issue impacted businesses, residents trying to relax at home and landlords attempting to let properties within the city centre, the authority claimed.

Areas covered by the proposed PSPO would include Victoria Square, New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.

Within the relevant areas, people would be banned from using amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as instruments.

It would crack down on noise associated with busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking affecting residential homes and businesses.