Are loud buskers and preachers unwelcome or 'part of life'?

"I don't want anyone shouting that I'm doomed and will go to hell."

These are the exasperated words of Sheffield councillor Laura Moynahan, who can hear the stereos and speakers of loud street preachers and demonstrators from the windows of the town hall where she works.

She is one member of the city council who is calling for more rules to clamp down on buskers and religious speakers who use "industrial" sound systems to amplify their voices. Meetings are often interrupted by the noise nuisance.

The preachers have responded by starting a petition objecting to curbs on their acts of "expression".

The precinct in front of the historic town hall is a popular gathering place for protests, whose participants are often equipped with microphones, loud hailers and drums.

However, Moynaham says the problem is not peaceful demonstrations but "intolerable" levels of noise.

"I witnessed it on The Moor where the decibels were ridiculous. I went to the market to buy some fish and there were people sitting having their lunch on those benches and they actually got up and walked away.

"They didn't want to sit there through that noise. I don't easily take offence but these preachers may say things people are offended by and we can have discussions without them shouting at us, at that level of noise."

Wayne Walton has set up the online petition on behalf of Unity UK, and is urging the council not to restrict or criminalise amplified street preaching.

The petition says: "For years, street preachers have contributed to this atmosphere, sharing messages of hope, peace, and reflection however, the practices that uphold these expressions might soon be jeopardised.

"Street preaching has long been a crucial element of public religious expression, connecting people of different backgrounds.

"It's a tradition that has woven itself into the fabric of our community life, offering not only spiritual messages but also fostering dialogues, tolerance, and understanding among people.

"Intervening by imposing blanket restrictions without thorough consideration could deeply affect those who cherish their ability to express their beliefs openly."

Unity UK says it is appealing to the council to "preserve the city's ambience while ensuring diverse religious expressions are not stifled".

Moynahan says the issue also extends to buskers using loud sound amplification equipment when performing.

"We don't want to discourage buskers as they are part of Sheffield's cultural background, our musical heritage, but we have to come to some agreement about the level of noise and where they do it.

"People working in the shops must have it all day long and they must be really fed up of the level of noise.

"I quite like listening to a busker where they play an instrument, it's lively and entertaining, but the level some of the speakers are turned up to is just unacceptable."

Her fellow councillor Rob Reiss agrees that loud noise can make the city centre feel unwelcoming, especially for neurodiverse people who may be more sensitive to it.

"The right to protest and challenge those in power is fundamental, and I will always defend it.

"At the same time, when protesting, preaching, or busking in the city centre, it's important to consider others who are not involved.

"Bystanders and retail workers may support your cause but still find high noise levels distressing. For people with PTSD or who are neurodiverse, noise sensitivity can cause severe anxiety, making the city centre feel unwelcoming when it should be accessible to everyone.

"When you pick up a drum, plug in a microphone, or twist the volume knob, please be mindful of people with hidden disabilities when protesting, preaching, or busking. These rights were hard-won and are vital to us as a society."

Moynahan has suggested part of Barker's Pool could be designated as a place where speakers can stand, away from shops and offices.

Sheffield City Council says it asks buskers to adhere to an existing, voluntary code of conduct, which covers good practice on noise levels and content.

The council does have powers to act where noise becomes disruptive and it has used those powers in the past with buskers.

The council has no power to ban preaching specifically, as it is protected under the Human Rights Act, but officers are looking at a range of options to balance very loud amplified noise while protecting freedom of expression.

Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, chairman of the communities, parks and leisure committee, says: "We understand amplified noise in the city centre can be disruptive, and we take residents' and businesses' concerns seriously.

"We are reviewing the options available to us to address these issues while ensuring we respect freedom of expression. Our aim is to find a balanced solution that works for everyone."

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