MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for X-Factor style auditions for street buskers to be abandoned.

Musicians and street performers face having to apply for licences in Durham as part of a scheme to try to bring busking under control in the city.

But more than 1,000 of people have now signed a petition to try to stop the scheme, which is being organised by Durham Business Improvement District [BID], from going ahead.

The organisation is launching the scheme to try to ensure "quality live entertainment" in the city and is running auditions where people can vote for which acts they want to see performing in Durham.

Opponents say it could stifle creativity in the city and put people off travelling to perform.

The petition has been started by former Durham University student Jonny Walker, who is the founder of the Keep Streets Live Campaign and has previously opposed restrictive busking schemes in other cities, including York.

He said: “I first became a busker as a politics undergraduate at Durham University when I went out on the streets one evening and did a spontaneous street gig on my guitar. I went on to become a professional musician, but had a scheme like this been in place then, I might never have had the chance.

“Requiring buskers to attend sporadically held auditions for licences will deter many talented artists and musicians from visiting Durham and have a damaging effect upon the cultural life of the city.”

Jill Gleave, from Durham, who signed the petition, said: “I love coming to Durham and hearing buskers in the street. I don’t want them to be regulated and controlled.

“I love the spontaneity that exists. Please leave them alone as no problem exists.”

But Adam Deathe, business engagement manager at Durham BID, says it is working hard to stop the scheme from being restrictive.

He added: “The purpose of the live auditions is not designed to diminish the wonderful atmosphere of Durham – of which live entertainment plays a big part.

“We'd like to stress that there is no cap on how many permits will be available – all buskers who audition and receive favourable votes will be given a permit. The purpose is to ensure a quality 'live entertainment' offer throughout the city for people working, living and visiting Durham.”

The first auditions takes place at Whisky River, in Durham, on Thursday, August 18 from 7pm.