Council announces compensation for Moor Market traders after cockroach closure
The compensation includes rent relief and payment
Sheffield City Council has announced compensation for traders at the Moor Market.
Following a German cockroach infestation, the market was closed for two weeks.
In this time, more than 50 traders and 12 cafes were forced to remain shut while pest control worked.
Vendors were left waiting, as two reopening dates were scrapped due to the re-appearance of the pests.
Now, 10 days after the reopening, Sheffield Council has announced relief measures.
Councillor Mark Rusling, Chair of the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said an initial package of support for traders was given.
This included one month of free rent, one month of free service charges and extended payment terms.
Following the reopening, Coun Rusling said the council listened to traders about the ongoing impact on their businesses.
A further package of support was then agreed.
An additional month of rent and service charge relief was arranged, alongside a one-off payment of £500 for each eligible trader.
Coun Rusling said: “We recognise that traders have experienced lost trading opportunities, disruption to their businesses and additional costs during this period.
“This package is intended to provide meaningful and immediate support that can be implemented quickly, fairly and consistently across the market, while helping traders focus on rebuilding their businesses and attracting customers back.”
He added that the council had invested heavily in preventing similar incidents.
“Alongside this financial support, the council has invested significantly in additional pest control treatment and environmental health activity, as well as reopening preparations, marketing and promotional activity to help rebuild customer confidence and support the market's recovery,” he said.
“Our focus remains on helping traders recover, rebuilding footfall and ensuring the market continues to thrive in the months and years ahead."