Buskers asked to keep the volume down

Buskers asked to keep the volume down

m.stv.tv | Jun 27th 2011 11:58 AM

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They are an integral part of life in the capital and festoon the streets of the city every summer but now buskers in Edinburgh are being asked to be more considerate in an anti-social behaviour crackdown.

The campaign Hit the Right Note will provide advice to buskers playing in the city centre, asking them to only play between 9am and 9pm, stay away from doorways or cash machines and stop busking if asked to.

The City of Edinburgh Council, who have organised the campaign with Lothian and Borders Police, said that residents are often disturbed by the noise coming from street performers.

After an hour on one spot, performers will have to move to another location at least 50m away and amplifiers cannot be used.

Councillor, David Beckett, convener of the City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership, said: “Edinburgh is a vibrant and colourful city all year round and street entertainers add great character to our streets. However, noise from buskers can cause distress, particularly in highly populated residential areas of the city centre.

“Noise nuisance from busking is one of the top complaints from local residents and the Council has been working with Police to address the problems associated with this type of anti-social behaviour.

“We want to ensure buskers have good, clear advice so everyone can enjoy a pleasant and entertaining local environment.”

Buskers will be handed credit card-sized information with the new guidelines printed on them.

Inspector Dianne Bruce, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Entertainers such as buskers add real value to the atmosphere of the city centre, and are fantastic for furthering Edinburgh’s tourism industry.

“We know, however, that it can sometimes be a different story for the local residents and business workers who can be disturbed by noise and crowds gathering.

“We came up with the idea to provide this guidance so that residents and workers can have a peaceful atmosphere, while still preserving Edinburgh’s tradition as a hub for fantastic entertainment.”



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