A band of buskers have been banned from playing in the street where they have entertained shoppers for more than ten years.

A letter from Brighton and Hove City Council told jazz musician Roy Gee his swing band could not play in East Street, Brighton, because they were too noisy.

The band has entertained shoppers and tourists up to three times a week at the same pitch.

They play for the love of music but their audience often throws them money and they have made up to £100 in a day.

Professional musician Roy, 52, said he had to observe the ban or his instruments would be confiscated, leaving him penniless.

He was angry he had been told to leave and said the council had not given him any guidelines.

He said: "No one will tell us how loud loud really is.

"It seems as though they have someone employed just to walk around and decide which bands are too noisy.

"I cannot believe they have a busking watch going on.

"It's right in the hub of town. If you have offices there you have to expect a bit of noise.

"It's part of the atmosphere people come to Brighton for.

"We are not a racket-making, penny whistle busking group.

"We do lots of professional gigs and play at other functions.

"You would think the council would have paid us to be there, not chased us off.

"They think we're getting paid by the restaurants but we don't get a penny. We only do it because we love it and now that has had to stop."

He said other shops played music, including one which has an in-store DJ.

"We are not allowed to play acoustic jazz which everyone is tickled to hear."

Busking in Brighton and Hove does not require a licence but the council has developed bylaws which give it powers to move people on if their busking is considered a nuisance.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "One complaint is enough.

"Noise abatement officers monitor the volume of the music. It doesn't matter if he is a professional musician or not. It is the noise, not the quality, that matters.

"We have spent a considerable amount of time negotiating with the person who received this notice.

"Unfortunately, he repeatedly broke informal agreements reached last year regarding time slots for playing.

"The levels and regularity of noise has distressed some people who have to work in nearby offices and shops."

Even though the band must leave its regular haunt, Roy is determined the show will go on.

They regularly play at the Hanbury Ballroom and Roy will take to the stage with his saxophone at the Joogleberry Playhouse on Friday.