Sunday wrestling event 'slammed'

DUP member Ian Stevenson (pictured) has come out fighting after he spotted a poster advertising the grappling extravaganza. Speaking to the Times, the political heavyweight struck out at Ballymoney Borough Council for giving the go-ahead for the event on the Sabbath day. He said: “I noticed at the Milk Cup reception on Tuesday night, I observed an advertisement for it and that’s what brought it to my attention. “Somebody showed it to me and like me they were surprised that this was taking place in Ballymoney Town Hall on a Sunday and also that Ballymoney Council is advertising it in their buildings. “I fully endorse their views on both.” The event is being organised by Dervock man Danny McMullan who will also be taking part. Mr McMullan hopes to make a name for himself in the sport which is massive across the world, particularly in America. He said this Sunday was ideal for the event as a similar one is being held elsewhere on Saturday. He said the seating capacity at the Town Hall on Sunday will be approximately 200. “It is a fun sport and it is family entertainment,” he told the Times. “Maybe some people are not 100% happy about it being on a Sunday but the last thing I wanted to do was ruffle any feathers. “I just want people to come along and have a good afternoon.” Cllr Stevenson said he would be looking into what could be done, if anything, regarding events being held in the Town Hall on Sundays. “In the past we had the whole debate about the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre being open on a Sunday,” he said. “A survey was taken which showed 28% of people were opposed to it. “I’d say you could take that figure as being opposed to this type of thing again. “I would be very much opposed to it. “I don’t know what can be done about it but I’m certainly very annoyed the council is advertising it within council facilities. “Have the staff who are putting up these posters no thought at all for the sensitivities of others? “Council are not consulted at all about things like this going up in the Town Hall. “I think it’s disgraceful councillors are treated with such little respect. “I’m not stupid, I know that the majority of people in Ballymoney would see no problem with this but there is a substantial number of people who do.” A council spokesperson said: “The Town Hall is available to book for a range of activities including sport. “It can be booked seven days a week.”