Members of the Lack community and a local councillor have condemned the “severe” damage (pictured above) of equipment at a playpark in the Fermanagh village.

It is understood that the vandalism occurred over the weekend where damage was caused to the foundations of a piece of play equipment in the park.

A representative of Lack Community Group said: “We are disappointed in the vandalism, we have very little as it is in Lack and we really cannot afford to lose this facility.

“It is used by not only village residents but those from surrounding areas also.”

Commenting that she is “really appalled at the destruction”, Ulster Unionist Councillor Diana Armstrong outlined that the damage to the foundations of the piece of play equipment is so severe that the area will have to be cordoned off while repair works are carried out.

Popular with children

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Councillor Armstrong said: “I have contacted the Parks and Open Spaces Team of the Council to report this damage and they will assess for repair and I thank them for their assistance.”

She went on to note how the playpark is popular with the children of the village of Lack as well as a popular stopping off point for tourists and those making journeys between Enniskillen and Omagh.

“It is really upsetting to see this damage particularly at a time when the Council has unveiled a Play Park Strategy of £5m over the next 10 years to improve and maintain the 97 playparks in our district.

“The playpark is valued by the local villagers as it provides a safe play space close to the main street and my hope is that repairs can be carried out quickly ahead of summer holidays,” said Councillor Armstrong, adding that she feels very saddened that the thoughtless acts of others in causing damage are going to cause inconvenience to the young children in the village as the summer months approach.

“I would ask anyone with information about this damage to please contact either the local PSNI or a local Councillor,” she urged.