Hundreds sign petition against 'busking ban'

Birmingham City Council has voted to bring in the order in a bid to tackle "excessive noise levels"

Hundreds of people have signed a petition backed by musician Pete Doherty that calls on Birmingham City Council to reverse a crackdown on busking.

The council introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) this month in a bid to tackle "excessive noise levels" in certain city centre streets that one cabinet member said can cause stress and anxiety for passers-by.

The move also sparked warnings that Birmingham risked becoming the country's "least friendly city" for street performances.

However, council officers said the order will help businesses, residents trying to relax at home and landlords attempting to let properties.

The order, which has been given the green light by councillors, bans musicians and preachers from using amplification equipment and musical instruments on certain roads, until at least 2028.

The areas covered by the order include Victoria Square, New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.

'Cultural wasteland'

The online petition, set up by Black Country duo GANS, has called for the order to be repealed, was also shared on Instagram by The Libertines legend Doherty, who grew up in the Midlands.

It has has been signed by more than 800 people.

GANS, a two-man punk rock band, said: "Considering that the city council has already completely defunded arts and consistently shows hostility towards any form of culture in the city, this draconian measure is increasingly making the second city a cultural wasteland.

"The issue is bigger than just the silence that the city will feel without music and performance."

Councillor Nicky Brennan backed the order at a council meeting

Band member Thomas Rhodes, who grew up in Stourbridge and used to busk there, told BBC Radio WM that it was a matter of freedom of speech and expression.

"It's silencing music in the streets and ultimately music being played on the streets is the most direct and honest and pure form of music," he said.

"It's critical, it's culture, it's so important that people have the freedom to do that."

He told BBC Radio WM that only 70 complaints had been made in 2024-2025 about buskers and they believed they were made by the same person.

"None of us believe that's enough evidence to impose such a heavy-handed ban and a complete silence in the city centre," he said.

"The actual toll of this situation can't be guessed."

'Cause mental fatigue'

Labour cabinet members backed the plans at a council meeting last month.

Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: "I'm sure we're all familiar with examples of walking through town when the noise levels are too loud.

"And we must remember for some residents who may have sensory sensitivities, this can cause increased anxiety, stress and mental fatigue."

Several businesses also backed the PSPO, with some describing how city centre busking was taking a toll on workers and driving away customers.

Birmingham City Council have been approached for further comment.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.