The Moor: Traders in Sheffield return to historic market site after U-turn by landlord NewRiver

Traders have returned to Sheffield’s historic outdoor market after a U-turn by the landlord - and they hope it will be permanent.

Florist Andrew Millard was back outside Atkinsons on The Moor on Tuesday when The Star visited and said he was on track to have his best Tuesday since the end of August.

He said he had complained about a huge Santa’s Grotto obscuring the market. Landlord NewRiver then allowed stallholders to return six days a week until Christmas.

The U-turn comes eight months after the firm ordered traders off the popular pedestrian street on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ‘enhance the goods and services on offer’ at surrounding shops.

Mr Millard said: "I’m expecting 20 stalls down here next Tuesday when word gets out. This is most traders’ busiest time and The Moor is where the market should be.

"I’m pushing for it to be made permanent."

Sheffield City Council had also reduced rents Monday to Wednesday, he added.

Following NewRiver’s ban in March, Sheffield City Council stepped in and offered traders space at Moorfoot. But the quieter location and lack of power supply saw the market dwindle to one stall in the early part of the week.

A NewRiver spokesperson said: “With the support of the council we can confirm that market traders on The Moor have been given the opportunity to trade six days a week over the festive period.

"We continue to make good progress with our plans for The Moor, to ensure it remains the beating heart of the centre of Sheffield.”

Coun Joe Otten, chair of the waste and street scene committee, said: “The council and New River are pleased to offer market traders the opportunity to trade for six days a week until December 24.

“As a result, we’re seeing traders choosing to increase their days from three to six, and we’re also seeing new traders sign-up, so shoppers will have more stalls and products to choose from during the festive period.

“This development is great to see, and traders interested in trading 6 days per week up to Christmas Eve should contact [email protected] as soon as possible and we’ll get them quickly signed up.”