Buskers are being asked to move on by enforcement officers confused by baffling city council signage.

Last autumn, the authority put a notice up in the Buttermarket asking musicians to comply with busking rules published on its website.

But the sign, which features an image of a red line through a figure playing a guitar, suggests it is banned in the area.

It has led to some officials stopping buskers from entertaining in the square, opposite the entrance to Canterbury Cathedral.

Spokesman for Keep Streets Live, Jack Lowe, says they have now spoken with council officers in a bid to change the sign and clarify its meaning.

The 24-year-old told the Gazette: “They agreed with us that the image is not appropriate and will be changed.

“They re-assured us that busking is legal in the Buttermarket, just the same as any other busking spot in Canterbury.

“The cases of officers moving on buskers was actually a misunderstanding due to improper briefing, an over-zealous officer and the ambiguity of the sign, all of which the council will deal with.”

During the meeting with officers it was also suggested, following numerous complaints from tour guides, that buskers should agree to turn their music down for a set time while the guides are speaking.

In 2014 the council adopted guidelines to protect performers after a backlash following a bid to ban busking all together.

Kyla Lingley comes to the city especially to busk and says she arranges everything beforehand with the city council.

“I come here about four times a year and today I am singing to raise money for Breast Cancer Now,” she said.

City council spokesman Rob Davies said: “We welcome buskers and have an excellent relationship with the busking community. We ask them to perform in line with the guidance and the vast majority do so.

“At a recent meeting with Keep Streets Live we discussed one of our PSPO signs and agreed it could be interpreted as a ban.

“This sign will be removed and we will consider something more suitable.”