A number of trees that had been planted along a walkway on the outskirts of Ballinamallard village have been “destroyed” by vandals.

The pollinator trees were planted along the Mill Race Walk by Ballinamallard Development Association in March thanks to funding provided by the ‘Live Here Love Here’ initiative, with the hope that in years to come the area would be a “hive of wildlife activity”.

However, it was reported on Monday evening (July 3), that a number of the young trees had been damaged, with branches broken. Some had been pulled out of the ground.

A spokesperson for Ballinamallard Development Association said: “Some time over the weekend someone felt it necessary to destroy a number of the trees planted by the Association at the Mill Race Walk.

“Time, effort and expense went into this project. They will be replaced once the planting season starts again.

“If you know who was involved in this, please let them know that this behaviour is pointless and upsetting to the many people who walk in this area.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Deborah Erskine described the incident as “totally despicable” and “unnecessary”.

“Many people are trying to help improve the village and this destruction is in total contrast to good work by locals. I hope those responsible face up to what they have done,” she said.

The Mill Race Walk had previously been targeted by vandals in April, 2021, resulting in damage to wooden fencing and a bridge along the walkway.

At that time, speaking to The Impartial Reporter a spokesperson for Ballinamallard Development Association had raised their concerns that there could be more incidents in the area in the future.