Sheffield city centre "horrendous" because of "ear-splitting" noise of street preachers
Visiting Sheffield city centre has been made “horrendous” because of the “ear-splitting” volume of street preachers and others, councillors have been told.
A woman presenting a petition spoke at Sheffield City Council’s communities, parks and leisure policy committee yesterday (July 15). “Walking through our main shopping streets is often a horrible experience, sometimes with several different groups shouting at you, or even doing pre-recorded messages shouting at you, at ear-splitting volumes. “This continues through the day and sometimes past midnight, keeping city centre residents awake. This behaviour is not at all reasonable in the first place, so won’t be solved by voluntary agreement. “Those in power need to put something in place to make it fair for all of us.” The issue was raised at the council last November. Coun Laura Moynahan called for a curb on “noisy” street preachers, saying she doesn’t want “somebody shouting at me that I’m doomed”.
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Agitated
The speaker said the presenter of a pro-amplified preaching petition to the full council last month claimed there was no evidence of people being driven from the city centre. However, that’s what the 253 signatories to the petition were saying. She said she sees rows and people getting agitated at being shouted at.
Cities such as Leicester have included amplified noise in their city centre PSPOs (public spaces protection orders). Anyone who wants to use an amplifier must pre-book a street pitch. Chair Coun Brian Holmshaw said street preaching or busking can bring character, colour and vibrancy. The Human Rights Act protects freedom of speech.
Complaints
“However, busking or amplified preaching can sometimes lead to complaints, as you’ve outlined, particularly in relation to excessive noise or obstruction of public spaces. So these cause disturbance and annoyance to visitors, to residents and to businesses.” He said the council is working on a voluntary code of practice. That will involve interested parties and he has contacted Alex McLean, who launched the petition. People can lodge complaints using an email address, [email protected] . Coun Joe Otten commented later that he was surprised this has not been added to the city centre PSPO, which governs different types of anti-social behaviour.