IT IS the story that has sparked debate between Chronicle readers.

Yesterday this newspaper reported that a well-known Winchester busker has complained to the cathedral after being ordered to stop playing by a senior churchman.

Marvin B Naylor was on his guitar in The Square when he was approached by the cleric.

In a letter to the Chronicle and addressing the man, Mr Naylor said: “Without an ‘excuse me’ or even waiting until I’d finished the piece I was playing, you became aggressive and intimidating, saying I was on church property and that I was obstructing the entrance to the cathedral grounds."

Here is what our readers thought on the matter:

User Kim A Gottlieb, the former city councillor, said: "He's the best street entertainer in the city. Never mind the Square, he should play the Albert Hall."

'Fred Sonic Smith' also showed his support for the busker: Marvin plays very quietly and can only be heard from a few feet away. The cathedral bells on the other hand don't play a recognisable melody and can be heard all over the city.

In response to this comment, user vintagemabel said: "I do disagree with Marvin being moved on. You comment the cathedral bells can be heard all over the city... mmm isnt that the point they are meant to be heard all over the city?

"I have tried campanology and it's not easy! I think its a little unfair to say they do not play a recognisable melody! Its not as if they can play 'We are the Champions' or 'Sweet Caroline'."

Commenter bosley said that busking is not supported by everyone: "The acoustics of The Square mean that there is absolutely no hiding place to whatever is being played. Some people like peace and the tranquility.

"I always find it a bit presumptuous on the buskers part that they assume that everyone wants to listen to them. Maybe there should be a buskers park so people can decide if they want to listen to them."

User Ruffleo showed empathy towards the cleric: "The priest asking or 'telling' him to move on isn't about the faith. The busker is blocking a driveway, people live there and nobody knows why he asked him to move, he may have been pastoring a parishioner, a grieving family member or been up all night attending last rites.

"Or he may be fed up with the noise. It's his right too to ask someone to move away from his property."

But user armenius sided with Marvin: "Disgraceful. Mr Naylor is a great guitar player and a bonus to the City unlike the drunks that hang around The Square.

"If this priest wants to do something useful then may I suggest he starts spreading the word to these druggies and drunks."

Anything else to say on the matter? You can send a letter to letters@hampshirechronicle.co.uk