A possible compromise has been suggested in the debate over amplified busking in Stone town centre, with a borough councillor saying the idea of designated “busking zones” will now be put forward and looked at ahead of the next decision on Stafford Borough Council’s current Public Spaces Protection Order.
Councillor Rob Kenney, deputy leader of Stafford Borough Council and ward member for St Michael’s and Stonefield, which includes Stone High Street, said complaints about amplified busking and the results of the 2023 consultation had led to the current restriction being put in place.
The current order does not ban busking outright, but it does prohibit busking with an amplifier in the pedestrianised town centre areas covered by the order in both Stone and Stafford. In Stone, that includes the pedestrianised High Street area within the mapped PSPO boundary.
In a statement shared with A Little Bit of Stone, Cllr Kenney said, “The reason for the ban on amplified music/busking, as have many alluded to is because of previous complaints received and the results of the consultation that took place. Unfortunately, it seems a few over loud buskers have ruined it for others.”
He said local borough councillors would now “investigate the idea of ‘Busking Zones’”, which could be booked in advance and monitored if complaints were received.
“To us, it certainly seems a way forward and now is the time to look at this with a review of the Stafford Borough Council’s Public Spaces Protection Order due soon,” he said.
As part of that, Cllr Kenney is asking Stone High Street businesses whether they would welcome a busking zone nearby. Businesses willing to share their view are being invited to contact him by email at rkenney@staffordbc.gov.uk.
The suggestion comes after a widely shared protest sign from performer Shaun Walker reignited local discussion around the current rules. Walker said he had been busking in Stone for years and described a long link with the town, saying, “I really love Stone. It is the only town left from my original line up that still has any atmosphere and respect for musicians.”
He added, “Stone is a lovely town, full of character and I will miss it.”
The consultation that helped shape the current order drew only 130 responses, including residents, businesses and partner organisations. While 57 per cent opposed restricting busking in Stafford and Stone town centres, support was stronger when the question turned specifically to amplification, with 65 per cent backing a restriction on amplified busking in those areas. Stone Town Council opposed that part of the proposal at the time, saying amplifiers should not be restricted unless they became a public nuisance.
For now, the current ban on amplified busking remains in force. But with councillors now floating the idea of designated zones, attention is shifting to whether there could be a more workable middle ground for Stone town centre, and whether local businesses would support it.
3 comments
Claire Gordon
When Shaun Walker is busking its just so nice to be out in the High Street, his music is not too loud, cheers people up, as he has always been there come rain or shine, the music is part of the atmosphere of Stone High Street, we are residents of the High Street and it doesnt bother us, always pleased to hear it, other places such as Blame Frida make a noise with music, so dont know how anyone can complain about busking.
Claire Girdin
When Shaun Walker is busking its just so nice to be out in the High Street, his music is not too loud, cheers people up, as he has always been there come rain or shine, the music is part of the atmosphere of Stone High Street, we are residents of the High Street and it doesnt bother us, always pleased to hear it, other places such as Blame Frida make a noise with music, so dont know how anyone can complain about busking.
Steve Edwards
So if it’s a public nuisance issue why haven’t blame Frida ,the crown and anchor, the crown wharf, Granvilles ,especialy blame Frida on a Saturday afternoon been jumped on