Busker Dave Southern hopes a new code of conduct for street performers will encourage everyone to work in harmony in Chester city centre.

Dave, best known for his alter ego Mr Peewee, the drumming puppet, has worked with Cheshire West and Chester Council and other musicians and organisations in collectively drawing up the draft code.

The code was born out of CWaC’s aborted attempt to introduce a draconian regime to regulate busking as part of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

CWaC had controversially suggested only allowing buskers who had gained ‘approved’ status by passing a quality test and restricting busking to designated areas.

Among its fiercest critics was Chester MP Chris Matheson who argued: “We shouldn’t limit artistic creativity or spontaneity.”

Following a consultation, the busking element was dropped.

Street performer Dave Southern who has been busking in Chester for almost 30 years with his rescue dog Pepe.

Instead buskers like Dave, councillors, the police and businesses got around the table to devise a new code of conduct that would satisfy all parties. The final version will be published following a trial.

Dave, a musician, stilt-walker, unicyclist and juggler of almost 30 years’ standing in Chester, explained: “We have worked hard to get rid of anything that can be viewed as a technical infringement.

“If you have clauses like you can’t be within 5m of a shop window or you have to move on after just an hour then that’s what people complain about, regardless of whether it’s having an impact or not.”

Dave believes busking is good for the health of Chester and its economy, arguing the standard of talent is ‘fantastic’.

Buskers slow down the shoppers – increasing what is referred to in the retail trade as ‘dwell time’.

“If they are being kept in an area because they have stopped to watch something, that’s more dwell time and they are more likely to notice the shops around them and spend more money,” says Dave, a founder member of Chester Buskers Association.

“And there’s no charge, no direct debit, whether the public decide to make a contribution is up to them.”

A passerby appreciates the musical talents of these buskers in Chester's Eastgate Street in Chester city centre.

For him, the new code is about a new spirit of communication and cooperation to create a ‘symbiotic relationship’.

“If a busker is having an impact on your business that’s not fair. If you can’t hear the phone or talk to customers then something needs to happen because it’s something that’s having an unfair impact on the business. If it’s just that you don’t like a busker or the music they’re playing then unfortunately they are just as much part of the city centre community.

“The simplest thing is to close your door,” said Dave, who has no issue discussing the direction of his amp or about repositioning himself if there is a problem.

“Most buskers are very reasonable people and speaking personally, I’m a performer, I’m self-centred and egotistical. I want people to like me!”

He added: “I think Chester will end up being an example to other towns as to how well it can work but it requires communication. It’s going to take a while.”

Busker Clare Wall in Eastgate Street, Chester.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment at CWaC, said: “Over the past year we have worked hard to engage with buskers, businesses and residents to develop a new code of practice for street performance in Chester and I am pleased that this is now being trialled.

“Following extensive consultation, it was clear that the guiding principle of the new code should be around impact. That’s why we have developed a framework that we hope will encourage better communication amongst users of our public spaces. We want everyone to enjoy the social and economic benefits of a vibrant and cultural city centre.

“We are inviting residents, businesses and performers to let us know what they think of the new guidelines. All feedback received during the 12-week trial will be considered to help shape the final version of the code of practice.”

Further information and a link to the new draft code of conduct can be found by clicking here.