No noise complaints – despite apparent council amp ban

There have been no complaints about the volume of buskers in the last three years – despite noise being behind an apparent ban on amplifiers by Dundee City Council.

Police Scotland, which records official noise complaints, said none had been made since 2015.

The Courier reported in October the council’s city ambassadors had told performers they would be stopped from using their guitar and microphone amps and speakers after complaints from the public.

Buskers were shocked when they were told to switch off their equipment, with many saying it was “pretty much pointless” performing in the busy city square without them.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed it had received “zero” complaints.

He said: “(The noise complaints) all relate to residential properties and excessive noise from televisions.”

A council spokesman said: “Dundee City Council recognises the vibrancy that buskers and other street entertainers can bring to a city centre but we do have a code of conduct that we ask buskers to adhere to.

“The code was written to prevent busking from becoming intrusive and an annoyance to people.

“It also aims to stop busking from obstructing pedestrians, shopkeepers and city centre residents.

“Under Section 54 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, Police Scotland can ask buskers to stop performing where their performance is disturbing others.

“Our code of conduct is available on our website.”