Sheffield street preacher calls for "fairness and democratic principles" on noise restrictions
A Sheffield street preacher has called for the city council to set up a working group to sort out complaints about noise in the city centre.
Wayne Walton presented a 100-signature petition on behalf of Unity UK to Sheffield City Council last week (June 24). He said: “This petition is not about defending noise, excusing disruption, privileging one group over another.
“It’s about fairness, proportionality and democratic principles that peaceful public expression of ideas should not be restricted more harshly for some groups more than for others.
“Sheffield has a proud history of public voice. We are a city that has always allowed people to speak, even when their message is challenging or unpopular.”
He said petitioners were concerned that the council seems to be considering restricting amplified public preaching, while allowing other activities such as busking, campaigning and public events to continue.
He asked what evidence there is that amplified public preaching is putting people off coming into the city centre.
Nuisance
Mr Walton said street preachers are already subject to noise nuisance laws and public order legislation. He asked for a clear commitment that any policy is subject to proper public consultation.
Councillor Brian Holmshaw, chair of the council’s communities, parks and leisure policy committee, replied: “Street preaching is a lawful and forms part of the tradition of freedom of speech in public spaces.
“However, this right is a qualified right and may be restricted where necessary to prevent disorder, crime, harassment, alarm, distress or public nuisance.”
Coun Holmshaw said that the council is working on a voluntary code of practice for street preaching and would involve key partners and interested parties in drawing it up.
He said that the code would include showing respect to others by controlling volume, changing location regularly and ensuring that any equipment does not create an obstruction.
Coun Holmshaw said that there are no plans to extend the council’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre to cover amplified noise.
He promised to include Mr Walton in any discussions on the subject and referred the issue for further discussion by his committee.