Sheffield Council and traders issue updates over Moor Market's closure due to pests
High profile shopping venue has been closed since Friday
The Moor market will remain closed for at least until Thursday, traders and Sheffield Council have confirmed.
The site has been closed since Friday after Sheffield City Council announced on it required a deep clean due to pests, understood to be cockroaches.
The authority has confirmed it will remain closed at least today and tomorrow and explained what is being done.
Coun Mark Rusling, chairman of the council’s Environmental Services and Regulation Committee said: “We can confirm that Moor Market will remain closed to the public on Tuesday June 30 and Wednesday July 1 while extensive pest control, cleaning and monitoring work continues across the building.
“Since the market closed on Friday, Council teams, market traders and specialist pest control contractors have been working together to carry out a comprehensive programme of treatment, deep cleaning and monitoring throughout the market.”
This has included repeated spray treatments, the introduction of longer-term gel treatments, replacement of monitoring equipment and intensive cleaning across trading, storage and communal areas.
The Council says it took the decision to close the market in order to protect public health and prevent the issue from spreading further.
Coun Rusling added: “Acting quickly has allowed treatment and cleaning work to be carried out across the whole building and in areas that would not have been accessible while the market remained open. This was necessary as the recent period of extreme and sustained hot weather has created conditions that can increase pest activity and make it easier for pests to move through interconnected spaces.
“We would like to thank traders for the significant efforts they have made over the weekend to clean their units, storage areas and equipment. Their cooperation has been vital in supporting the treatment programme and helping to prepare the market for a safe reopening.
He said officials recognised the disruption and uncertainty the closure was causing, and the immediate focus remained on protecting public health and ensuring the market can reopen safely. Once the situation is under control, they will work with traders and partners to consider what support may be available to help the market and its businesses recover and return to normal trading as quickly as possible.
However there is still no re-opening date.
Deans Family Butchers, one of the long established stalls, said in a statement: “We have been in the shop every day since Friday’s closure keeping up our high standards of cleanliness and hygiene and still remain free from any pests.
“Once again I would like to thank each and every one of you for you kind comments and ongoing support and keeping our fingers crossed to see you all very soon.”