Further help for traders after cockroach closure
BBCSheffield City Council has extended a support scheme for traders after a cockroach infestation forced a two-week closure of Moor Market.
The market closed on 26 June due to the pest problem and reopened on 13 July after an "extensive programme of treatment, deep cleaning and monitoring", the authority said.
Moor Market is home to more than 90 independent traders, with a support package after its closure including one month of free rent and no service charges.
On Thursday, the local authority said the support would be extended to a further month of rent and service charge relief and a one-off "discretionary recovery payment" of £500 for each eligible trader.
Councillor Mark Rusling, the council's chair of the environmental services and regulation policy committee, said: "We know the temporary closure of Moor Market had a significant impact on traders and their businesses.
"We recognise that traders have experienced lost trading opportunities, disruption to their businesses and additional costs during this period so this package is intended to provide meaningful and immediate support that can be implemented quickly, fairly and consistently across the market."
The market reopened after no pest activity was detected for two consecutive days.
The source of the outbreak has not been disclosed, but the council previously said the recent period of "extreme and sustained hot weather" had created conditions that can increase pest activity.
Speaking on the day it reopened, traders said they were "ecstatic" to see the doors opening again but said the uncertainty had impacted trade.
Rusling said the council has "invested significantly" in additional pest control treatment as well as a marketing campaign to entice customers back.
"Moor Market is one of Sheffield's most important community and business assets, contributing significantly to the city centre economy," he added.
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