York has been dubbed the noise pollution capital of the north by a local clergyman angered by city centre shops blasting out loud music.

Describing himself as a "one-time York lover", the Rev Dr John Roden suggests people should complain and says there could even be "an organised boycott against the guilty shops".

Dr Roden, vicar of Appleton Roebuck, sets out his charges against "the cacophony that is York" in the September edition of his parish magazine.

He says that not long ago, people could walk through peaceful streets and enter shops that were quiet except for the normal buzz of conversation.

"And now? Go anywhere in the centre of York and your ears are bombarded by buskers and bands or music groups all engaged in making as much sound as possible.

"This has been a steady trend over the last few years which is now getting rather ridiculous.

"But it's far, far worse inside the shops. There have, for quite a few years, been one or two shops which insisted on blasting out their customers.

"But these could be avoided by those of us who like to be able to think while we are shopping. But now - suddenly - almost every shop in York centre has decided to add to the noise pollution by putting on 'music'."

Dr Roden suggests there could be music-free days each week for those "who can't stand the blasted racket".

John Shannon, chairman of York Civic Trust, said today he had considerable sympathy for Dr Roden's viewpoint. "Noise pollution is an issue that requires to be faced in the centre of the city. Parliament Street is a classic example of appalling noise volumes. On the other hand, the important thing is that the city centre shops are kept alive."

But he said there were enough shops to meet his needs where noise was not a problem.

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