Busking on the South Bank #2

Got responses from both Simon Hughes' office, and Peter John, saying they'd look into my query about Southwark's busking policy. Encouraged by this, I returned to the South Bank on Sunday 12th August for another session. This time, I was stopped by two plainclothes guys with Southwark badges in their wallets. They made a note of my address, and said they were happy for me to recite my poetry, but that it was illegal for me to sell any copies of my poetry pamphlet. So much for private enterprise. Which department do these men work for? Why is it necessary for them to patrol the South Bank in addition to the police, who are heavily present, and the armies of stewards? At what expense to the public finances are they maintained? What is the public mandate for preventing performance artists selling their work on the streets?

Busking on the South Bank

On Sunday 29th July I was asked by two police officers to stop poetry-busking on the South Bank (opposite Tate Modern) on the grounds that 'Southwark doesn't allow busking'. The police suggested I move to Lambeth where busking is apparently not unlawful. Such a regulation seems arbitrary and illiberal. On what grounds can busking be not allowed, if it is not disturbing the peace, or inciting to hatred? How can it be allowed in one borough but not another? What is the legal framework which the council has employed to support this regulation? I have written to Southwark council, and also to Peter John (leader of Southwark Council), and to the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Simon Hughes, requesting an explanation of this policy.

Tales of Paradise City

I've created a new tumblr for my sci-fi poems: http://talesofparadisecity.tumblr.com

Hazard

Art costs lives

Reviews of Confronting the Danger of Art

"This is a stark and original pamphlet of poems, both disturbing and amusing. The superb illustrations darkly complement and enhance the explosive impact of the poems." SPHINX REVIEW

“Think a Salad Fingers style doodle, matched with a satirical Banksy-esque dialogue ... this little book was the perfect length and provided an anti-reality for 20 pages and was a strange joy to read.” BRIG NEWSPAPER

“With striking images, and thought provoking messages, this pamphlet will take you five minutes to read, but weeks to consider.” CONCRETE NEWSPAPER

“The illustrations and poems work together seamlessly ... McLachlan and Cooper’s new age method of collaboration has been a success. The cryptic, earth tone illustrations play off of the cautionary poems impeccably.” THE FREDONIA LEADER

“The poems and delightfully strange and vivid artwork work in unison to deliver a coherent message ... Thought-provoking and genuinely funny.” XMEDIA

“Confronting the Danger of Art is one of the most original ideas that I’ve come across recently ...” STRUCTO MAGAZINE

“ ... a hilarious and searing look at the way people do sometimes treat the arts ... perfectly crafted and delightfully witty.” THE BOAR NEWSPAPER

“Phil Cooper’s ... simplistic comic strip style evokes suggestive moods in each panel ... As an artist, I find this booklet a reminder that art has no limitations.” THE TARTAN NEWSPAPER

“The beige and rust color scheme complement each other and provide a perfect backdrop for McLachlan's biting free verse.” THE DEPAULIA NEWSPAPER

“It is well constructed and Phil Cooper’s design complements the irony of Ian McLachlan’s poetry. It is a thought-provoking read.” THE BEAVER NEWSPAPER