BAD buskers could soon find an East Lancashire town a ‘no go’ area.

As part of a drive to make Accrington town centre more appealing to visitors, Hyndburn Council is looking to regulate buskers by ensuring they apply for a permit if they want to serenade shoppers.

Part of the scheme will make it possible for people to complain about any street performer they find unapp- ealing.

Excessively loud, or annoying music, or buskers who sing out of tune, could find their permits revoked and be told to leave.

Deputy Council leader Clare Pritchard said the council also felt it was impotant to limit buskers to a set area, and a set number, to create the right atmosphere She said: “Busking can be an asset if it’s done properly. We just need it to be regulated. We won’t be ‘auditioning’ buskers. We will just leave that up to members of the public.

“They are the shoppers. They spend money in the town centre and it’s their opinion we will listen to. The main purpose was to ensure that buskers were in the right places, and at the right times. Not too many at once.”

A report by head of town centre development Rob Grigorjevs, which will go before councillors next week, says: “We should welcome ‘good’ buskers to the town centre as they generate interest and footfall.

“Depending on activities already booked on Broadway and Market Way, the number of buskers would be limited accordingly.”

It is expected that a ‘handful’ of buskers would be allowed on an average shopping day along the designated area of Broadway and Market Way, between 9am and 5pm.

Buskers must contact Hyndburn Council in advance to apply to busk over a set period, with a charge of £10 levied.