Street performers have been prohibited from performing in a key area. London tourist attraction following the council’s legal action in court over ‘nuisance performers’.
The Westminster City Council has halted performances at two street music spots in Leicester Square following a court decision that deemed the sound levels constituted a 'nuisance'.
Global, whose office is located close by, blamed the council for not enforcing the established regulations—leaving them dependent on noise-canceling headphones.
The judge concurred and instructed the council to 'eliminate the legal nuisance constituted by the noise from the music played by street performers'.
Councillor Matt Noble stated: "Street performers are an integral part of our city's character, however, we must also ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and commercial establishments."
Are buskers 'a nuisance'?
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Definitely, it's causing a public nuisance.
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Absolutely not, it gives the city charm.
'The court's decision leaves us with no alternative—we are now legally obligated to take action.'
'This is definitively not an outright prohibition of street performers in Westminster.'
Our following move involves adhering to the decision by halting impromptu performances in Leicester Square, reviewing the court’s judgment, and then identifying an equitable resolution.
However, the court was informed that set lists are continuously replayed on repeat at an unnecessarily high volume.
Simon Thomas, who owns the well-known Hippodrome Casino in the region, testified at the hearing, stating that the constant bass sound from the amplifiers renders it impossible for him to accomplish any work in his office.
He told Diwida | 'Organizing meetings with Sweet Caroline blaring at deafening levels is absurd.'
Nevertheless, street musicians have stated that closing the Leicester Square pitches is 'unjust' for those performers who adhere to rules and noise restrictions.
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Will Cork, who represents the Westminster Street Performers Association and is a street performer himself, told Diwida |: ‘ It feels as though we're being penalized due to specific shortcomings within the system.
He stated that the ban 'groups together' both unauthorized street performers and those who make an effort to control their sound levels and behave respectfully.
He stated that the ban unjustly lumps all street performers together as a bother.
When these two spots close down, street performers in Westminster will be left with just one functional location at Trafalgar Square, where everybody 'will likely flock,' he stated.
He cautioned that the ban in Leicester Square might impact the UK music sector and prevent new talents from being uncovered.
Many artists have utilized street performing to make a significant impact in the music industry. Street performances have often opened up additional chances for them.
The earnings of buskers will likewise be impacted since some artists depend on this for their livelihood.
He mentioned that buskers significantly enhance the ambiance of Leicester Square, spreading 'happiness among visitors.'
'The real annoyance should be directed at the buskers. We've put significant effort into regulating all the noise levels,' Will clarified.
'I think this is just a short-term fix, and the council is searching for alternative solutions,' he mentioned additionally.
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