Hoons due for musical assault

Barry Manilow is no stranger to criticism of his music, but seeing it used to repel troublesome Christchurch teens is surely enough to make him sing the blues.

Christchurch's Central City Business Association is looking at ways to improve the atmosphere in the city centre and discourage young troublemakers from congregating in public areas where fighting, vandalism and intimidation of passers-by are common.

It has hit upon the idea of piping music into areas such as Stewart Plaza that provides a calming effect and may also be offensive to the young troublemakers' ears, such as classical pieces and Manilow hits like Copacabana and Mandy.

"People of that particular age-group are very particular about what they listen to, and if they don't like it they will try to ... move away from it," said association manager Paul Lonsdale. "

Manilow's representatives, Carol Marshall Public Relations in California, did not respond to the Herald's requests for comment yesterday.

Teenagers hanging out in Stewart Plaza said music would not make any difference.

Pamela McCutcheon, 19, said the troublemakers would either adapt to the likes of Manilow or "try to blast you out with their own music".

"If it's decent music, then probably more people will turn up and probably cause more fights."

Jesse Sharland, 17, said his friends would "pump out some Slayer [thrash metal] ... and will drown out Manilow and blast him back to the 80s".

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said he hoped the scheme would work but joked that too much Manilow might drive out the desirable visitors too. "A looping track could drive half the city out."

The Manilow concept was successfully introduced in Rockdale, New South Wales, several years ago to try to counter hoons congregating in a reserve.

"The kids hate [Manilow's songs] and they don't hang around," said Rockdale City Council spokesman Vince Carrabs.

It wasn't just the kids getting annoyed by it, however. Some nearby residents complained about the noise, prompting the council to turn the volume down.