Buskers silenced by senseless restrictions
SIR – On Monday we went to Stratford-upon-avon to walk along the river in the lovely sunshine. We bought food and a coffee and sat on a park bench to enjoy our lunch.
Nearby, but at a distance from us all, was a young girl playing a guitar and singing. What a treat for everyone to hear some beautiful music while we sat in the sun.
After some time, a police van arrived and the girl stopped singing and sat on a bench. We thought she had just finished and went over to give her some money, but were shocked to hear that the police had told her to stop singing as it might attract a crowd. In all the time that she sang, the only “crowd” was made up of those sitting on the benches, which are well spaced. We live in a strange world.
Antoinette Davis
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
SIR – During lockdown my local council slapped “Closed due to Covid” signs on the local skate parks. Not all councils took such action, so it seems to be a local policy rather than a Whitehall decree. Unsurprisingly, many local children and teenagers have responded by ignoring the signs and, in some cases, tearing them down.
Given the evidence that coronavirus spreads far more quickly indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated places, it seems odd to be closing outdoor skate parks. The police have to enforce these senseless closures and they hate doing it. Some local residents have taken it upon themselves to berate the teenagers, too, which invariably causes arguments, standoffs and resentment.
The council’s ill-considered policy has made it look silly, thus damaging its authority and credibility; put the police in a difficult position; caused intergenerational strife; and denied teenagers and children a safe and fun place to exercise.
Tim Watkins
Aldershot, Surrey