Looking boldly to the future
Editorial Department • Published 10 Nov 2011 15:30
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Plaudits must go to Fermanagh District Council this week for facing the economic challenges felt so sharply by the business people in the town by looking boldly to the future and planning for a new look to the town.
Recent comments from townspeople that Enniskillen is looking "scruffy" have been listened to.
In the last few weeks, the Council has completed a proposal, now with the Department of Social Development, for a £5.6 million upgrade of the town's main thoroughfare from Belmore Street through to the far end of Darling Street. An outline design and economic appraisal is now with DSD for a project to hopefully be completed in two phases over four years.
The new-look town would have wider footpaths, new street furniture, trees planted and better lighting.
The scheme is just one of a series of elements which would see Enniskillen evolve and develop.
The words that have been used are "aspirational" and "exciting".
The Council is also working behind the scenes in progressing other lesser schemes. About £25,000 could be available for short-term remedial work in the town centre, and although this is regarded as minor, the Council is looking for input from the traders as to what is needed.
With hope for potential development at Erneside and the prospect of a shared service facility for the public sector at the Erne Hospital site, there is plenty to be hopeful about.
With the challenging economic times we are facing it would be all too easy for the Council to sit back and cite straitened times as a barrier to improvement.
The body has not done that and it is to their credit. Enniskillen still has a powerful draw to cross-Border shoppers and visitors. It is a pretty town and unique with its island centre. But people expect more nowadays and to persuade them to make a visit and part with their hard-earned cash, the town has to give them something special.
If these plans come about, it will mean that indeed we will giving the town every chance of success.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Nov 11
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