The grant, which was awarded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), will be spent over the next few months on improvements to the Frogmore paper mill, said chief executive Jacky Bennett.

Bennett said the EEDA funding was the first phase of the project development, which will be completed by 2006 at a cost of around 20m (PrintWeek,, 24 August 2001).

The Paper Trail hopes to put some of the EEDA funding towards an education room to inform visitors about the heritage site and visitor attractions. It plans to take small numbers of visitors on limited access tours around the site by Easter next year.

Bennett said that next year would be an important landmark for the project, as it would mark the 200th anniversary of the installation of the first Fourdrinier paper machine at the mill.

A centre for small businesses in the paper and media sectors is being set up on the Apsley site, supported by Watford Enterprise Agency.

Other projects involve the development of printing heritage courses with West Herts College and the Herts Learning Skills Centre.

The Paper Trail is applying for further grants from the National Lottery.

Bennett hoped the response from the EEDA would help achieve further positive results from other sources.

Story by Andy Scott

Picture: proposed heritage centre