SANTA'S grotto and its piped music in one of York's squares has struck the wrong note with some buskers.

The grotto has been opened by York's Chocolate Story in the middle of King's Square, where buskers and street entertainers regularly perform.

Busker Jonny Walker claimed he was asked to leave the square because his music was clashing with seasonal music, which was being piped out by the grotto on a continuous loop.

"In fairness to them, they did offer to turn their music off on the condition that I exclusively played Christmas songs from that point onwards," he said.

"York has a wonderful atmosphere all year round, thanks in no small part to the many talented buskers who animate the streets here.

"It's a bit of a shame that the powers that be need to have pre-recorded Christmas music playing in many of the public spaces of the city. You can have the real thing...for free!"

Violinist Rupert Engledow said he had played on the edge of the square against the backdrop of 'jingly jangly' piped music, but his concern was more about the change in ambience in the square created by the grotto. He said people usually liked to sit, listen to and watch entertainers there but now looked on a shed, and claimed there had been a good atmosphere last Christmas which had now been lost.

Chris Price, city centre and markets manager for destination management organisation Make It York, said it very much welcomed busking in York and there was space in King's Square for them, as well as performers.

"We’re not saying that buskers are not welcome there; we just need to work in co-operation with each other to help ensure children going to the grotto also have a good experience."

A York's Chocolate Story spokeswoman said it really enjoyed the buskers' performances in the square and appreciated the atmosphere that was created as a result, and denied it had asked Mr Walker to leave or stop playing.

"We have developed a good relationship with regular King’s Square performers and store equipment for some as well as regularly offering complimentary refreshments," she said, adding that there was only one busking pitch available in King’s Square normally and that had not changed.

"We hope that everyone can use, and enjoy the shared space over the coming festive period and are looking forward to continue to welcome many excited children to the grotto."