A local authority has asked members of the public for help in providing evidence that a licensing scheme for buskers is needed.

Yeovil Town Council recently decided to try and introduce such a scheme as a way of controlling begging in the town centre.

South Somerset District Council has agreed in principle to introduce the scheme (which would be administered by the town council) but has indicated that evidence from the public would strengthen the case.

A similar plea was made when the town council worked to introduce a by-law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in certain places of the town centre, and enjoyed a good response rate.

Police approached the town council some time ago, saying the introduction of a scheme would be of great assistance when dealing with beggars since it would stop beggars from claiming to be busking unless they can provide a licence.

Town clerk Alan Tawse said that a scheme was already in place in Taunton Deane, where applicants had to be vetted by an inspector before being issued with a busking licence.

Mr Tawse said that a certain level of skill would be necessary to qualify for a licence, and that auditions would probably be held to determine the ability of applicants.

A scheme could be introduced in Yeovil at some point during summer if everything goes according to plan.

Members of the public wishing to submit examples of areas where a busking licence could help deal with beggars should write to: Alan Tawse, Town Clerk, 19 Union Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA 20 1PQ.