A PLEA for donations to help Kidderminster's Museum of Carpet pull through the coronavirus crisis has passed its £8,000 target in just two weeks - but trustees still face the challenge of recovering income levels when the site finally reopens.

A campaign was launched to save the Stour Vale Mill site after it came under threat due to losing out on weeks of admission fees during lockdown.

Trustees set up the online fundraising page to help combat the devastating loss of income and the appeal has already attracted over £9,000 in donations

As an independent charity, the carpet museum receives no regular support from local or central government. Its income comes from admission fees, events, room hires and its shop - all of which dried up in March when the museum was forced to close to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Trustees say this loss of income, for an uncertain period of time, posed a real threat to the survival of the museum.

The good news, they say, is that the donations received so far mean the immediate future of the museum is secured. There have been more than 200 pledges from individuals, businesses and groups - many of whom are from families who worked in the carpet industry in Kidderminster and its surrounding areas.

However, with the lockdown on museums and galleries now likely to extend into July, trustees have decided to up their target to £12,000 and extend the campaign until June 10.

They say the wider implications of the pandemic and the adjustments the museum will need to make on reopening will make recovering its usual income levels a challenge.

Trustee Vicky Bagnall said: "We have been overwhelmed by the amazing response to this campaign and would like to thank everyone who has donated so far.

"The response shows that there is huge support for the museum which showcases Kidderminster’s industrial and social heritage, and for a gallery space for the community.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Former Brintons workers unveil model looms at the Museum of Carpet in 2013. Photo by Jonathan HipkissFormer Brintons workers unveil model looms at the Museum of Carpet in 2013. Photo by Jonathan Hipkiss (Image: Jonathan Hipkiss)

"If you have not yet made your donation, it is not too late to do so, and you will be helping to ensure that this local gem has a secure future”.

The Carpet Museum Trust was founded in 1981 with the aim of establishing a museum for the exhibition of items of local historical and educational interest connected with the manufacture of carpets.

Its collection includes machinery, designs and a large archive of ledgers, board minutes and accounts from the many carpet manufacturers based around the town.

The museum also houses the only archive of original copies of The Shuttle newspaper after they were rescued from Dudley Record Office.

To donate, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/kidderminster-museum-of-carpet.