Leicester Square busking ban comes into force

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The suspension of two busking performance pitches in London's Leicester Square has come into force after a court ruling.

Westminster City Council's ban is until further notice and applies to all licensed and unlicensed buskers and street entertainers in the area.

It follows a case between Global Radio and the council where a judge ordered the local authority to stop the "nuisance" caused by buskers.

Anyone who flouts the new rules could face enforcement that included a fine, equipment being seized or their licence being taken off them, a Westminster City Council spokesperson said.

The action follows an abatement order that was issued against the council by the City of London Magistrates' Court on 26 March.

Councillor Aicha Less from Westminster City Council said the council's priority was to explore its grounds of appeal and revisions to its busking and street entertainment licensing regime.

It was understood there were 24 other pitches where street performers could perform in Westminster.

Councillor Aicha added: "This is categorically not a ban on street performers in Westminster.

"They are a much-loved part of our city, but we have to balance our duty to prevent disruption to residents and businesses.

"The court ruling has given us no choice, and we now have a legal obligation to act."