Dischord as divas are diverted

The Opera Babes show their support for the protest

Around 50 buskers are taking part in a demonstration to stop a shop in central London getting rid of street opera singers.

Dimitri van Zwanenberg, spokesman for the buskers, said they have a problem because one retailer in Covent Garden has a "bee in his bonnet" about the singers, some of whom are mainstream opera singers.

He said five of them have been moved to another site which is not very good for them.

A spokesman for Eric Snooks Ltd, a toyshop, said other outlets have also complained about the noise levels and he is anxious not to turn this into a personal matter between his shop and the buskers.

Noise levels

Assistant manager, Nicholas Barnes, says they are in favour of entertainers at Covent Garden Piazza but some noise levels in the Lower Courtyard are making it very difficult to run a business.

He says it is very difficult to talk to customers or get credit cards validated.

He also claims that ongoing building work in the area exacerbates the sound problems.

He has suggested they move to North Hall which has more open space.

Mediation

Westminster Council is trying to mediate in the dispute.

It has been reported that a council environmental health officer has suggested there be only four opera performances a day, rather than the eight that take place at the moment.

The protest is taking place on Russell Street outside the Royal Opera House.