ON an almost daily basis, weather permitting, the people of Bellanaleck can be seen enjoying the village’s open space which has become an integral part of the close-knit community.

It is a space that is appreciated by so many: from the young mother pushing her child on the swing, to the elderly lady reading a book on the park bench. Situated close to Bellanaleck Quay, the open space is in a picturesque location and is suitable for all age groups, particularly young children.

Alongside play equipment there are surfaced footpaths, picnic tables, a car park and public toilets, all the amenities needed while enjoying a family day out, or a quiet stroll in the park.

Retired Town Clerk Owen Wilson, who is originally from England, lives in the village with his Fermanagh born wife Ruth. The couple have been active members of the Bellanaleck Community Group since settling in the village six years ago. Mr. Wilson said the community has continually worked together to ensure that much needed facilities such as the open space can be used by residents and tourists in a village that has seen its population grow considerably in recent years.

“The population of Bellanaleck has increased very substantially in the last five or six years from about 200 to 1,000, mainly due to the building of The Commons and The Corn Mill private residential estates. The Bellanaleck Community Group have been very active, working in cooperation with various statutory and voluntary organisations, to develop facilities for residents and visitors,” he said.

Mr. Wilson explained that in addition to working with other bodies to provide facilities, the community group is “very active in defending and promoting the village in various ways, including making representations to statutory bodies about highways and planning issues.” Running alongside the open space is a 2.5k surfaced footpath from Waterhen Lane along the Loughshore to The Moorings Restaurant, a boat hire company, and two boating marinas.

The walkway has proved popular with locals, showing off a fabulous view of Laragh Lough, which has constructed jetties suitable for course fishing. In the distance are various mountain ranges, including part of the neighbouring County Cavan. The path rejoins itself at the village crossroads, passing a self catering cottage en route.

The work on the footpath alongside the open space followed representation by the community to Waterways Ireland which agreed to improve its surfacing much to the delight of its users.

“The footpaths are not only used by Bellanaleck residents, including a recently formed local walking club, but many visitors from other parts of Fermanagh and further afield,” said Mr. Wilson.

A short distance away is the Cleenish Parish Hall situated in the centre of the village. It underwent major renovation three years ago which lead to a significant increase in its use for a wide range of activities, while across the street is The Cleenish Centre, an interdenominational Christian residential centre, located at Rectory Lane.

“The easy access to Bellanaleck by road and water are helping to develop the village as a tourism hub,” said Mr. Wilson, pointing to the popularity of the the Irish Lace Museum at The Sheelin and Cleenish Island, a site of a monastery established about 600 AD.

Soon Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will be installing a multi use games area (MUGA) as part of the open space which Mr. Wilson says will “help to fill a gap in facilities.” And recently the village held a fun day at the open space, which included face painting for children, plus live music and a mobile petting farm, delivered by local man Julian Thornton.

But none of this would have been possible without the commitment of so many people, says George Thornton, assistant secretary and lifelong member of the community association.

“A number of the facilities were the game plan of the community association, who lobbied the various agencies,” he said, adding: “Special thanks are due to the former Fermanagh District Council staff, and to the former Roads Service staff, now Transport Northern Ireland, to our local Community PSNI representatives, and to local Councillor Alex Baird.” Mr. Thornton says the community association are keen to recruit new members from the area to help promote and develop the village and its open space.