Anguish for traders as The Moor Market in Sheffield closed indefinitely due to 'German cockroaches'
“I fear for the market’s future, some businesses are struggling and I fear it will kill them off”
Traders and shoppers have been locked out of Sheffield’s biggest market again today due to “an infestation of cockroaches.”
The Moor Market is closed indefinitely after Sheffield City Council announced on Friday it required a deep clean due to pests.
Trader Paul Brown said Environmental Health officers told him it was due to German cockroaches - a small roach that thrives in hot and humid environments - which were detected six weeks ago and attempts to eradicate them had failed.
He said he feared the building would not reopen until Wednesday, July 1 at the earliest - due to a 48-hour quarantine period - and some traders could go bust.
On Monday morning, cleaners could be seen inside wiping down surfaces as frustrated shoppers gathered at the doors.
Two council Environmental Services vans were parked in a rear goods yard.
Mr Brown, of Moor Bargains, said he spent Saturday, normally his busiest day, cleaning his unit.
Some food and drink traders could have had one of their busiest weekends at the market, with barbecues held across the city as England played in the World Cup.
Mr Brown criticised “mismanagement” of the market.
He added: “This is unprecedented. Someone at a senior level in the council needs to get to grips with the situation. I fear for the market’s future, some businesses are struggling and I fear it will kill them off.”
Richard Eyre, director of street scene and regulations at Sheffield City Council, said The Moor Market was closed due to a “pest issue affecting parts of the market, including some food businesses.”
In a statement he said he recognised it would have a “significant impact” on traders but he was “not able to confirm when the market will reopen.”
He added: “We are working at pace to resolve the issue and will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Narumol Dudek, of Lemongrass Thai Street Food cafe, said the market had been forced to close due to “serious failures in the management of the building, particularly regarding cleanliness and pest control.”
She added: “As a result, traders have suffered significant financial losses, including contaminated stock that had to be disposed of, loss of income while the market is closed, and ongoing staff costs that businesses still have to meet.”
Tracy’s Quality Fruit & Veg, posting on Facebook, said: “We know this is disappointing, and we’re just as frustrated as you are.”
Deans family butchers said it is with “much sadness and regret” they had been forced to close.
And Dearne Farm Foods issued a note apologising to customers and “looking forward to seeing you all again soon.”