Council seize busker's guitar after noise nuisance complaints

A busker in Oxford city centre has had his guitar confiscated after a series of complaints about the noise he makes. Environmental health officers seized a guitar and amplifier from James Ludlow, who is also known as Marrion Cobraretti, on June 3.

The action came after the council received 19 complaints since January about Mr Ludlow’s performances in Cornmarket Street. Mr Ludlow received his first verbal warning from council officers on January 21. He was given two further warnings in February before being issued a written warning advising him of the enforcement action.



In response to a complaint on March 28 and after officers witnessed him causing a noise nuisance, he was issued with an abatement notice under the environmental protection act 1990 and advised that a breach of the notice could result in confiscation.

Further breaches were witnessed on April 12 and June 3, when his equipment was confiscated. Under the noise nuisance legislation the Council also has the power to prosecute Mr Ludlow for breach of the abatement notice.