"which towns are clamping down Im not aware of any. I think they encourage amps to improve sound in some areas."

York, Lincoln and Chester to my knowledge. It's not blanket but only in some parts of the towns. Likewise if you are selling CDs you need a Street Trading Licence. York grants them (£35 per day)Chester, Liverpool and Lincoln don't.

York had also just told one group that because of the size of their amplification they will have to rent a performance space (£100 per half day plus the STL)

Steve