Thousands of pounds of fundraising stock have been destroyed following a fire in a charity shop in St Albans’ city centre.
Several roads were closed after the incident at the Oxfam shop in Chequer Street yesterday at around 6.40am.
Volunteers estimate around £10,000 and £15,000 worth of stock was ruined in the blaze, which was started accidentally.
The shop has been closed while a clean-up operation begins.
Manager Chris Rhodes told the Review the fire was contained to the second floor of the building, which is used as a storage area for clothing, shoes and handbags.
He said: "Unfortunately, some four to five months of saved donated stock of summer clothing,, which would have stocked our shop from April to July, was destroyed in the fire.
"We are therefore in urgent need of donated summer clothing and accessories to stock our shop.
"Until the damage on the second floor has been assessed and cleared, and electricity restored to the other floors the shop will remain closed.
"At this stage, we anticipate that we will be open again by next weekend and able to accept donations."
Chequer Street was initially closed as crews attended the fire.
No one was injured.
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