Move to the Maze would be a mistake

I feel the proposed move to the Maze, leaving the historic atmospheric Belfast site is a bridge too far.

Each year the Balmoral Show is a pilgrimage for young and old..

The move to the Maze sounds fantastic in theory, but there is a stigma attached to the site. In addition there are no fixed buildings and the site is soulless, even if millions are spent.

The RUAS is a charity and I fear is out of its depth by taking a chance on such a serious move while selling out a brilliant landmark at Balmoral for housing.

We have the most magnificent showgrounds, albeit needing a few million spent on it, but what’s wrong with that? Many people like myself are steeped in wonderful memories of Balmoral. My parents were both members and my family lived for the Show and wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Had the Committee put the same effort into raising money to maintain Balmoral as they have on PR and promoting the move to the Maze, things could have had a more positive outcome.

Let the Government put the same money into restoring and redesigning the historic Balmoral Showgrounds to their former glory. Must we be of the NI mindset that we should bulldoze all to build houses?

A centre of excellence at the Maze will be shared with other groups and societies and will be like any other commercial showgrounds in England. Take the tents and marquees away and what are you left with?

The thousands who travel to Balmoral aren’t going to make the same journey to the Maze site.

The Kings Hall and Balmoral are the jewel in the crown. Why not revamp it all and stay there.

Someday the RUAS may look back with regret.

Joan Cunningham.

Saintfield