Local children have nowhere to play as council 'green space' at a standstill

A FINTONA resident has blasted a lack of progress on the planned 'green space' at Fintona's Denamona Court, which has seen local kids without a swing set for almost four months.

In April, Fermanagh and Omagh Council began work to turn Denamona Play Park - which was equipped with classic play park equipment such as swings and slide - into a 'green space/unstructured play' area.

At the time, the council removed swings, and it was envisaged that further work would follow, but almost four months on no further progress has been made, due to weather-related delays.

It is understood that this green space will not feature any play equipment, but will instead encourage children to have "more interaction with the natural environment" and promote "enhanced biodiversity".

However, local residents have voiced fears that a 'green area' is no substitute for a play park.

With work for the new unstructured play area at a standstill, local resident, Benjamin Hamilton, said that children have now lost out on their park and now have nowhere play.

He said: "In April the council came in and removed the swings and said the play park was to go. However, four months on, nothing has been done. The swings were a big part of the play park for the kids and they have lost out on it, while any kind of progress is at a standstill.

"As could be envisaged, the kids now have nothing to do, especially during the summer holidays. But who can blame them? Their old play park has been ruined and whatever new facility that is being planned is at a standstill.

"I want to see the council making progress on this or at least heeding some kind of input from local residents.

"There appears to be money to spend on other frivolous projects locally, but when it comes to things that children benefit from, such as play parks or fireworks displays, nothing can be done. Questions need to be answered.

It is understood that this green space will not feature any play equipment, but will instead encourage children to have "more interaction with the natural environment" and promote "enhanced biodiversity".

A spokesperson from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: "Denamona Grove and Mill Street Play Parks are both due to be transformed into a green space. Works had commenced, however, due to the need to remove some trees at Mill Street, and the weather conditions, the work has been delayed.

"It is anticipated that works will recommence during August with a view to being completed by the end of September.

"The provision of 'green space' is widely recognised as an important component of play, encouraging more interaction with the natural environment and creative and collaborative play.

"The new green play space will afford opportunities for enhanced biodiversity and sensory planting. Council officers will be engaging with the local community in relation to the transformation and potential provision of green spaces to ensure they are developed successfully for the future."