A REPRESENTATIVE of Ballinamallard Development Association has condemned the recent wanton vandalism of the Mill Race walkway, and is concerned that there could be more incidents in the future.

This week, the police put out an appeal for witnesses following reports of criminal damage to the walkway, which is on the Kilskeery Road on the outskirts of the village.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Damage was caused to a section of the wooden fencing and bridge along the walkway sometime between 4.30pm on Friday, April 16 and 7.30am on Monday, April 19. If you have any information which can assist the investigation, please call 101, and quote reference number 354 of 19/04/21.”

The Mill Race walkway is an ongoing project pioneered by Ballinamallard Development Association in conjunction with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

In recent months the walkway has been expanded with additional infrastructure to benefit the local community.

Impact

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about the vandalism and the impact it had, the Vice-Chairperson of Ballinamallard Development Association, David Bleakley, said: “The Mill Race walkway has been expanded now. [We’re] putting in picnic tables and, going up onto the bridge part of it; there’s a mini-viewpoint.

“It’s just going to improve [the area] so that families can go and have their picnics and look up and down the river safely.

“So this [vandalism] is an unfortunate event, which spoils things. It could put people off going for walks there with this sort of behaviour ongoing,” said Mr. Bleakley, referencing the fact that the area has been targeted by vandals in the past.

When asked if he is concerned that the new elements of the walkway are also at risk of vandalism, Mr. Bleakley responded: “Absolutely. We are planning to put in more infrastructure.

“There will be picnic tables and seats going in, so if [vandals are] currently damaging the bridge and damaging fence work, it can be expected then that they will damage the likes of picnic tables and seats. We are very concerned about it.”

Commenting on what he thinks should be done to prevent such vandalism, Mr. Bleakley said: “I think it’s a combination of maybe increased policing in the area, and also for the public to be more vigilant, to make the police aware of groups gathering in the area, who they believe are or could be involved in this activity. It’s a combination of the police and the public being vigilant.”

DUP Erne North Councillor Deborah Erskine expressed her disgust at the vandalism. Mrs. Erskine said: “Acts of vandalism like this hurt the community who work hard to try and provide amenities and services in the village.

“Whilst the community association works to develop Mill Race, others want to destroy. Whilst I am confident it is a small minority, it still must be called out and those involved must stop.

“This damage is really frustrating for the people of Ballinamallard, as those involved have no regard for the community.

“This is not an isolated incidence of anti-social behaviour in the area and it must come to an end.

“I urge those involved to think about their actions. They could be left with a criminal record which has ramifications for their future.

“I urge anyone with any information on this incident to bring it forward to the PSNI,” Mrs. Erskine told this newspaper.