Angry Rotherham traders voice concerns after the Women’s Euros tournament

Ahead of the NY Stadium hosting four games of the international football event and bringing supporters from France, Italy, Belgium and Iceland to the town, Allan Whitworth — who runs Noshy’s Lounge with wife Noshy Whitworth — told the Advertiser they had not been consulted by the council about the food and drink stalls.

“It’s frustrating and difficult enough running a hospitality venue post-Covid,” he said, after learning burger vans and an outdoor bar would be in the “food and beverage” area of the town’s Fan Parties — on the Upper Millgate doorstep of his cafe, which has outside seating and extended opening hours.

Michael Green, who runs the Pantry Café in Red Lion Yard, concurred RMBC should be trying to support already established businesses.

And Today’s Express manager Akmeemana Silva said he was angered an open-air bar was being allowed near his off-licence, which was previously blamed for street drinking.

After the matches began, Mr Whitworth said the burger van opposite his venue was selling coffee, and another coffee van was set up in All Saints’ Square — outside the designated food and beverage area.   

A council worker also set up several tables and seats behind the burger van, not far from Noshy’s.

Mr Whitworth claimed he been told previously if he wanted to extend his outside seating for the tournament he would have to apply and there would not be enough time.

If the application was successful he would need to ensure the border-fencing around his current seating was extended so all seated areas were enclosed — but the council set up its tables and seats without.

“It’s one rule for established businesses, and another for the council,” he said. “They can do what they like.”

Mr Whitworth said the policy was “hurting local business”, adding: “The council has sold local traders and venues down the river for the ground rent from outside vendors.”

A Rotherham Council spokesperson said: “An information letter was sent out to town centre businesses in May to inform them of plans for the town centre Fan Party.

“Many shops and cafes were visited and face-to-face discussions around bringing in additional catering to support the existing offer within the town centre took place.

“There were a limited number of food and drink vendors at the Fan Parties who only operate during event hours to meet the increased demand, particularly after 5pm when many local business are closed.

“We have continued to work closely with all local businesses in the event area, many of whom have reported increased footfall to their venues throughout the two events held to date but we are happy to speak with Mr Whitworth directly about his concerns.”

Mr Whitworth responded: “We can kick this back and forth (excuse the pun) for as long as they like but, as a catering business in the food and beverage zone of the fan party, we did not receive a letter about the food and beverage zone.

“We were told during a face-to-face visit that outside suppliers would be outside our business and our request to get involved in the event was met with obstructions rather than assistance.

“My offer to speak to the relevant people is open where we can discuss the shortcomings of this event and maybe discuss any future events that are being planned.”

Speaking after the France vs Netherlands quarter-final, Mr Whitworth said: “They (the Dutch fans) have made us realise what we have missed out on with the other match days. The atmosphere they created was wonderful.”

But he added: “We cannot let one happy day in town out of four make us forget the attitude taken by the organisers toward the town with these events. They have been an opportunity missed.

“I have looked on the net and cannot see any future events planned for this year.

“Does this mean we have no events planned or do we have some more surprises coming our way?  

“If there are more events, I do hope that lessons have been learned and the town is involved in the planning.

“This is our town — we live here, we work here, we have businesses here.”