AN ONLINE petition campaigning against controversial anti-busking laws in Oxford has received nearly 1,000 signatures since it was started two weeks ago.

The petition, run by national campaign group Keep Streets Live, is protesting against proposed city council changes to control busking by fining those who perform in public areas without permission.

The petition has so far attracted 935 signatures.

Oxford City Council consulted on plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) meaning buskers who perform in public without first obtaining a licence would receive a warning, and could be hit with an on-the-spot fixed penalty fine of £100.

If taken to court, they could also be liable for a maximum fine of £2,000.

The petition argues the proposals have no basis in UK law and threaten the freedom of expression previously enjoyed by street performers.

Currently buskers are required to provide proof of identification and address before being given an ID card by the city council, allowing them to perform.

The Keep Streets Live campaign is a notfor-profit organisation that supports the use of public spaces for street artists and performers, and said it aimed to promote positive relationships between local authorities and buskers.

Musician Jonny Walker, who heads up Keep Streets Live, held a day-long protest against the plans on Friday by setting up on Queen Street and playing his guitar without a licence.

The public consultation on the scheme ended on March 31.