To the Sion Mills Resident who is so concerned with the Stables – you seem like an educated person, so why is it that you have these views that the Stables should be demolished?

Does tourism not come into play here and will tourists stop over in Sion Mills if there is nothing of the old times still here?

People like Celia Ferguson are trying their hardest to bring funding into this village and get things done and the self appointed group that you refer to is there for all to join, so why don't you get involved in that scheme and harness your energies in a positive manner? Or there are other groups within the village that I am quite sure could do with someone who has energy to give.

Negative attracts negative and I am afraid that maybe that is all you have to offer. Over the years there have been so many people like you with negative comments and little else, so please put your village first and channel your energies in a positive manner.

As I said at the start of this article you are well versed in your history of the village and are able to quote on past sales, tell me this, where would we be today if the Herdman family had not invested in this village? Our ancestors were able to clothe us and feed us and the Herdmans even supplied the education for us so that we could progress in our lives. We still have a school today that is the envy of many, children taught side by side of different religions, the first of its kind , this was only possible because of the forward thinking of past generations.

World markets took away the Mill not the Herdmans, so if a group has got together and are trying to create a tourist hot spot don't knock it, you may need employment yourself in the future.

So to the Sion Mills Resident with no name, get motivated, get off your bum and be positive !

A Sion Mills resident too

(name and address supplied)