Buskers on Portobello Road in Notting Hill may have to get a license for the first time in 150 years.
Traders, residents and shop owners have complained of abusive and threatening behaviour by some buskers when asked to move on after playing repetitive music for hours in the same place.
As a result the Portobello and Golborne Management committee have drafted a report calling for the adoption of strict busking controls limiting performers to specific spots for shorter periods of time.
There are often in excess of 10 separate musicians and entertainers in the Portobello market area on a Saturday. Stall holders have presented the council with a petition complaining about the number of buskers and the detrimental affect they are having on trade.
Busker Gary Saxton 60, welcomes the licensing laws saying that the current system does not protect his rights.
He said: "I've just been assaulted by another busker who wouldn't let me stand on a pitch as he said he was there first. He pushed me to the ground and now I have 11 stitches in my head. With a license the rules will be clearer. So yes some buskers here are aggressive. I think this report is fantastic. I'd like as many people as possible to read it and for it to be adopted throughout the whole of Kensington and Chelsea."
Chairman of the committee Mark Barr said: "Some buskers have become very aggressive and abusive if challenged by our market traders and residents. This is not all the buskers but a select few have become very problematic. They will play incredibly loud repetitive music in one spot outside a shop or stall for hours. This badly affects trade for that business. So we have been lobbying the council for the adoption of part five of the London Local Authorities Act 2000 which enables a council to licence buskers and to designate streets where they can perform.
"We do not have problems with all buskers. We have some fantastic ones playing classical violin, guitar, a double bass and steel drums. They are a real draw to the area but as a whole they need to be more regulated. It will cost money but the market is prepared to absorb that."
Market trader Paul Lau said: "We have a big problem with buskers. They set up anywhere and often perform right opposite my stall where a crowd develops. Nobody can get passed, stalls get blocked off behind a wall of people and traffic can't move through either. The noise is a big problem. I cannot hear my own customers. And although I have not been threatened myself I have heard of many occasions when buskers have been incredibly abusive. This license will be very welcome."
