BUSKERS who have entertained city centre shoppers for almost 15 years could be silenced.

The Manchester School of Samba drumming band has become a regular attraction outside Marks & Spencer, in Market Street, Manchester, where musicians and dancers perform for passers-by.

They attract Saturday crowds of 100-plus - but nearby shop staff and residents in the Number 1 Deansgate apartments have complained to the council about the noise and have asked for a silencing order.

One shop, Arthur Kay and Bros jewellers, has been complaining for about seven years, claiming staff cannot hear their customers. Band leader Tony Watt has attended a number of town hall meetings - and has cut their busking sessions first to five hours, and then to three.

They now alternate with another band, Sambangra, each playing once a fortnight.

But the complaints mean Manchester council is now carrying out environmental health assessments to see whether noise levels are high enough to trigger an order.

Mr Watt said they relied on busking to get business and new members. He said: "That spot is great for us, but I understand peoples' point of view and we have made concessions. We're facing the end of busking in the city centre, this is the first step."

Tony Priestnall, manager at Arthur Kay jewellers, said: "Even with our door shut, it's constant banging. Passing crowds enjoy it, but they don't put up with it for hours."

City centre spokesman Coun Pat Karney will call the parties involved to the town hall - and said the council may ask the band to move elsewhere.