Northampton's 'nuisance' buskers to be told to stop playing

'Nuisance' busking has been added to Northampton's public spaces protection order

Buskers considered a "nuisance" in a town centre will be told to stop playing under amended council rules.

Busking has been added to a list of several anti-social behaviours prohibited in Northampton.

West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet backed the changes to its existing public spaces protection order (PSPO).

"Northampton continues to be impacted by a range of anti-social behaviour on its streets," said cabinet member David Smith.

The amendments followed a six-week consultation by the local authority, which showed only 20% of people said they were concerned about busking.

Continuing to ride a bike or scooter when a police officer or "council authorised person" instructs the rider to stop was also added to the order.

Previous behaviours deemed anti-social, including urinating or defecating in public places and drinking alcohol on the streets, were also carried forward and could see action taken.

Mr Smith, Conservative cabinet member for community safety, engagement and regulatory services, said the PSPO "allows the council and its partners to tackle these issues".

The councillor added the authority had funding from the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for "two PSPO engagement and enforcement officers".

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Sally Beardsworth, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at West Northamptonshire Council, told the meeting she was "disappointed" busking was added.

"I think some buskers can add a bit of entertainment to the street and make it sound more jolly, especially around Christmas time," she said.

But Mr Smith said they would only be told to stop if they were being a "nuisance" to the public.

A separate PSPO has been brought in by the council previously, which covers the control of dogs.