Buskers in Bath say dialogue rather than permits is the answer to problems caused by rogue musicians in the city.
Bath and North East Somerset Council is consulting on the best way to regulate busking in the city, with a permit system one possibility.
Several recent complaints have led the authority to explore ways to tighten up the informal and voluntary guidelines currently used by regular performers. For some musicians, the problems have been blown out of proportion – and are nothing that open lines of communication won't solve.
Performer John Shepherd says he and his fellow musicians have taken note of some of the problems – which also include the excess use of amplification – and taken steps to address them.
"We are reasonable people. Repetition of songs has been mentioned, so we cut down the sets by 15 minutes, meaning there is no time for repeats."
He said the city's regular buskers – who meet outside the abbey every morning to organise their pitches – now also liaised with the church to be sure they do not interfere with any important services.
"People must know that we're approachable, reasonable human beings, and we will listen to valid concerns. Talking is the key."
Complaints have been made about buskers playing outside the agreed July and August hours of 10am-10pm, but, according to John, the troublemakers are always from out of the area – people who don't know and respect the arrangements that regulars have regarding timing and location.
He added: "We have no real powers, so while we try to make sure people don't come in and cause problems, there is little we can actually do."
He said of the permits idea: "The problem is that would also make life more difficult for the good ones amongst us. We need a humanitarian solution, not one based on more rules."
While they are happy to consider legitimate concerns, Jack Morgan, who busks as well as playing gigs, feels the majority of complaints are unfair – but inevitable in a "conservative city like Bath".
Jack said: "I played a solo acoustic set inside a venue at 8pm on a Friday night not long ago, and there were still complaints. Some people will complain just for the sake of it – it's like they expect a village life in the middle of a city.
"Some business owners complain about the volume, but they leave their shop doors open. Some residents buy a place next to the Abbey Church Yard, then seem surprised to hear us playing music. Busking is the second oldest profession in the UK. It has always been a major attraction of the city, and some people should appreciate the positives it brings."
It's a point of view that veteran busker Gary Millhouse, recently filmed in a YouTube clip arguing with a visiting musician, echoes.
He said: "We bring emotion and happiness to the city. A few people shouldn't spoil it for the rest of us. Permits are not the solution but we are open to discussions in order to find a better way forward."
Some businesses argue the sector does need greater regulation. Jody Cory, of Jody Cory Goldsmiths in Abbey Church Yard, says increased regulation is needed in some form, because buskers are not always approachable.
"One morning I had to go out three times to ask a girl who was playing before 10am to stop, and I was ignored each time. The majority are fine, but there are sometimes problems.
"I do understand that busking can be good for the area, but I still think there needs to be better regulation, for example with volume control and the times they play."
People can give their views on busking by sending an email to environmental_pro tection@bathnes.gov.uk or writing to Busking Code, Environmental Protection Team, Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JG.
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