A historic paper mill and museum needs £100,000 to help rebuild after a suspected arson attack burned part of it down.

Frogmore Paper Mill's visitor centre was badly damaged by a blaze on January 22 that also destroyed some historical artefacts.

Parts of the building were damaged beyond repair and figures on rebuilding the centre are yet to be finalised.

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But charity Apsley Paper Trail, which owns the mill, estimates it will need £100,000 on top of the insurance payout. So far, £34,000 has been raised.

Sue Woolnough, education and design manager at the charity, said the support from the community has been appreciated.

She said: “The support made us feel more determined because we have always seen this site as community-based.

“At first there was lots of interest. However, despite being fully insured we still need to raise £100,000.

“Many people have been helping with volunteering. They deserve a credit with how much they have helped us.

“We are always looking for volunteers to help with the clean-up.”

Watford Observer: Rowena Haigh, collections officer, has been cleaning smaller items that were damaged. Picture: Apsley Paper TrailRowena Haigh, collections officer, has been cleaning smaller items that were damaged. Picture: Apsley Paper Trail

The mill, which is known for its historical importance as part of the paper industrial revolution, has yet to confirm an opening date.

Ms Woolmough said: “It’s probably going to be around spring of 2023.

“We are working on have a roof placed on the visitors’ space as soon as possible.”

However, in the meantime, the centre is still open to the public.

She said: “This summer we are running storyboats.

“It is a short gentle ride on the river that last for 40 minutes.

“It’s aimed at children aged four to nine and we read them stories, spot and feed the wildlife.

“It’s perfect for the family.”

The mill is trying to hold as many outdoor events as possible.

On September 23, it will host its street food festival and on December 4 it will hold its annual craft fair.

While this mill is yet to be rebuilt, restoration work is taking place off site on artefacts that where damaged by the fire and smoke.

Police confirmed that a 13-year-old boy remains released under investigation.

A second 13-year-old boy has been interviewed out of custody. Enquiries are continuing.

Anyone who is interested in helping clean smaller artefacts can email archive@frogmorepapermill.org.uk.

To donate, visit https://www.frogmorepapermill.org.uk/fundraising/.

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