SO Chris Titley thinks that plans to audition buskers is a good idea (Diary, November 22). But why, exactly?

Apparently because it's been done in Budapest and, oh yes, because Les who "serenades York shoppers" with his dogs, gave it the thumbs up. But more of that later.

Anyone who has ever had the vaguest notion of performing in public will agree that you need to have both a modicum of ability and a degree of confidence to do it.

York plays host to many talented buskers - from piano players such as Kieran White and Karl Mullen to the many street artists of Kings Square. No one would dispute their craft or professionalism.

They bring colour and vibrancy to York citizens and visitors alike.

At the other end of the spectrum York also features lonely harmonica and penny whistles - mainly playing to an audience of none.

The problem with having to pass an audition is that it suggests that there is some sort of minimum standard for this type of activity. And as with any standard, much depends on whose opinions count.

Surely the general public is best suited for the task. But how would we "vote"? Now here's an original idea: why not let's put a coin or two in a hat if we like the busker and just ignore them if we don't?

Oops, silly me, that's what we do now, isn't it?

Now if Chris Titley's idea of talent is a badly-strummed guitar, a poor voice with the odd barking dog, then God help us. But at least the way we are now, people are free to stop and listen if they like. Or not.

Paul Kind

Pianist (Grade VI),

Sefton Avenue, York.

Updated: 10:08 Thursday, November 25, 2004