Buskers and street preachers forced out of Birmingham city centre in crackdown
Birmingham City Council have introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in a bid to tackle 'excessive noise levels' in some streets.
Under the new rules, people will be banned from using amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as instruments on the streets covered. It runs until 2028.
The council said earlier this year that the noise created by these street performers and preachers was impacting businesses, people living in the centre and making it harder for landlords attempting to let properties.
But there were warnings Birmingham risked becoming the country's 'least friendly city' for street performances if the divisive proposals went ahead unchanged.
Areas covered by the PSPO will include Victoria Square, New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.
"Our mental health is suffering immensely"
Several businesses backed the PSPO plan with some telling how city centre busking was taking a toll on workers and driving away customers.
One shop worker claimed 'prolonged exposure' to noise from a busker had led to headaches and stress among staff.
'Our mental health is suffering immensely due to the constant noise pollution,' they said.
'We are not opposed to street entertainment,' another business wrote. 'In fact, we believe that busking – when well-managed – can enhance a city's cultural appeal and vibrancy.
'However, what is currently happening in Birmingham is not structured or regulated busking – it is, frankly, a free-for-all.'
The plans have also proved controversial among some, with one Liberal Democrat councillor, Deborah Harries, saying when the ban was approved that busking was an 'exciting part' of exploring a new city.
'Does Birmingham really want to be a city culturally that is […] not really interested in doing anything to protect its musical heritage in terms of The Crown and Station Street and bans the busker?' she said.
'There must be better ways than this absolute hammer to crack a nut.'
"The council is not considering introducing this PSPO without reason"
A Birmingham city council spokesperson said: 'Birmingham is a bustling, cosmopolitan city centre, and we want everyone who lives, works and visits it to be able to enjoy what it has to offer.
"The council is not considering introducing this PSPO without reason.
"We have received a significant and consistent number of complaints from both residents and businesses that there are too many people causing noise in the street, and despite being asked to moderate their noise levels, there has been no respite for the affected people.
"The PSPO aims to tackle the excessive noise levels caused by street preachers, buskers, and street entertainers, which have caused alarm and distress to residents and businesses.'
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Buskers and street preachers forced out of Birmingham city centre in crackdown
Buskers and street preachers have been banned from performing in Birmingham city centre for at least three years under a new council order. Birmingham City Council have introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in a bid to tackle 'excessive noise levels' in some streets. Under the new rules, people will be banned from using amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as instruments on the streets covered. It runs until 2028. The council said earlier this year that the noise created by these street performers and preachers was impacting businesses, people living in the centre and making it harder for landlords attempting to let properties. But there were warnings Birmingham risked becoming the country's 'least friendly city' for street performances if the divisive proposals went ahead unchanged. Areas covered by the PSPO will include Victoria Square, New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street. "Our mental health is suffering immensely" Several businesses backed the PSPO plan with some telling how city centre busking was taking a toll on workers and driving away customers. One shop worker claimed 'prolonged exposure' to noise from a busker had led to headaches and stress among staff. 'Our mental health is suffering immensely due to the constant noise pollution,' they said. 'We are not opposed to street entertainment,' another business wrote. 'In fact, we believe that busking – when well-managed – can enhance a city's cultural appeal and vibrancy. 'However, what is currently happening in Birmingham is not structured or regulated busking – it is, frankly, a free-for-all.' The plans have also proved controversial among some, with one Liberal Democrat councillor, Deborah Harries, saying when the ban was approved that busking was an 'exciting part' of exploring a new city. 'Does Birmingham really want to be a city culturally that is […] not really interested in doing anything to protect its musical heritage in terms of The Crown and Station Street and bans the busker?' she said. 'There must be better ways than this absolute hammer to crack a nut.' "The council is not considering introducing this PSPO without reason" A Birmingham city council spokesperson said: 'Birmingham is a bustling, cosmopolitan city centre, and we want everyone who lives, works and visits it to be able to enjoy what it has to offer. "The council is not considering introducing this PSPO without reason. "We have received a significant and consistent number of complaints from both residents and businesses that there are too many people causing noise in the street, and despite being asked to moderate their noise levels, there has been no respite for the affected people. "The PSPO aims to tackle the excessive noise levels caused by street preachers, buskers, and street entertainers, which have caused alarm and distress to residents and businesses.'
