A photo of a Wiltshire journalist was found stuck to a punchbag at a council’s town hall – sparking outrage and raising serious concerns.
According to a report by Melksham Independent News, the image of reporter Joe McCann was attached to a punchbag at the local office, alongside the words “punch me”.
The popular newsman confronted the authority at a full council meeting – which was live streamed to the public – on Monday (16 February).
He announced: “It has recently come to my knowledge that within this council building, there is a punch bag with my face cut out and stuck to it, with the word ‘punch me’ written at the bottom of the punch bag.
“I have a photo of it. I’d like the council’s response to that.”
Councillors were reportedly appearing visibly shocked when they were shown the image. A town council officer apologised and described it as a “bad joke”.
Mayor Saffi Rabey said: “This is not acceptable and you have every right to be furious.
“I didn’t know this existed and I am lost for words on what to say on this. This is not acceptable behaviour.”
It was confirmed during the meeting that the punchbag was visible to council staff, but not to members of the public.
Joe McCann has led recent coverage scrutinising the council’s CCTV arrangements and the sale of former dog park equipment for £16, which prompted criticism.
Speaking after the meeting, he said: “This needed to be highlighted. The council cannot allow this sort of behaviour to go unchecked.
“If it isn’t addressed now, it risks creating a narrative that it is acceptable to target or undermine people who are simply doing their job in scrutinising the council.
“I would hope we do not allow even the suggestion of that culture to creep in here.”
Jonathan Heawood, Director of the Public Interest News Foundation, raised serious concerns.
“It’s appalling to see anyone putting a journalist’s face on a punchbag, but particularly alarming when it’s someone who’s supposed to be accountable to the community they serve”, he commented.
“If journalists can’t do their jobs safely, then we all suffer. I hope this marks a turning point, and that from now on, Joe McCann and all local journalists get treated with the respect they deserve.”
Councillor Tom Price, who represents Melksham South, also addressed the issue.
He said: “This sort of behaviour is unacceptable and I was appalled when I heard about it at the Town Council meeting and asked where it was and who might have seen it.
“No one should face that sort of behaviour for providing impartial coverage of our town council.
“We are lucky in Melksham to have a local newspaper which attends all our council meetings and highlights decisions which are being taken by councillors.
“I fully support an investigation and I hope it will find out who saw this and whether they raised the issue.”
Melksham Independent News has reported that an internal investigation is under way.
The incident has also raised eyebrows given that the council recently signed a civility and respect pledge covering councillor and staff conduct.
Melksham Town Council is yet to respond to our request for comment.
