Payout idea over market closure in Birmingham

Traders would not be paying the rent for days of lost trade, the council said

Compensation for traders is being considered after a market was shut for deep cleaning following the discovery of signs of mice and cockroaches.

Traders at Birmingham's Bullring Indoor Market would not be paying the rent for days of lost trade, the council said.

Action was being taken by environmental health and pest control officers.

The market is due to be open on Friday. The Bullring Outdoor Market, Rag Market and Wholesale Market have been unaffected.

'Right thing'

The Bullring Indoor Market was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the city council was hoping it would possibly be open on Thursday.

Head of markets Steve Grogan said: "Obviously the traders won't be paying the rent for the days of lost trade.

"We need to look at their lost trade and compensation. We will do the right thing."

He said it has identified that cockroaches were brought in on boxes which were carrying exotic fruits and vegetables.

Alan Doherty, vice chairman of the indoor market committee, said it has been "very frustrating" and personally he was losing "thousands" every day during the closure.

But he added the cleanup has been "absolutely superb".