Concerns have been raised over how a town hall is being promoted after images shared online prompted questions from residents about the building’s intended use.
A post circulating on social media questioned whether recent “marketing” photographs linked to Lynton Town Hall reflected the purpose of a communications role previously described as supporting weddings, parties, community events and income generation.
The post stated: “Residents were told the new communications role would help promote Lynton Town Hall for weddings, parties, community events and income generation.”
It continued: “And yet some of the ‘marketing’ images now surfacing make the hall look less like a welcoming venue and more like the backdrop for a moody fashion shoot.”
The author added: “Is this what the mayor and council had in mind for the role?
“If these were official promotional images, someone should explain the strategy.
“If they were not, then residents are entitled to ask why a precept-funded communications role appears to have involved using the town hall in this way at all.
“This is not prudery. It is a question of judgement, priorities and public value.”
The post concluded by inviting a response from councillors, stating that “any explanation would be very welcome”.
In response, photographer Luke Anthony said the images were intended to highlight the town hall as a hireable space for creative industries.
Luke said: “I photographed this and it was done to showcase the town hall as a viable, and really cool, place for brands, filmmakers, photographers etc to hire out to be the backdrop for fashion shoots, music videos etc during times when it would otherwise be empty.”
He added that venues “all over the country need to adapt to stay relevant” and said the town hall could not rely on occasional classes or sessions alone to generate sufficient income.
Luke said: “I think you will agree that it is a great location for a photoshoot, or the backdrop for some filming, and a very unique space that should be celebrated in lots of ways.”
He also addressed criticism of the imagery, describing one comment as “highly offensive to both myself and the professional model who did not have to give up her time free of charge to do this”.
Luke added: “This is a pretty standard fashion shoot by today’s standards so I am not sure what you are finding offensive about this.
“Again, it is 2026, not 1926, things have changed.”
He said he would not be engaging further with the discussion.
