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I just want to make a few points here, firstly, with regards to the information kiosk, DHB authorised the positioning of the kiosk, it was well stocked with many information leaflets covering all of Dover and the surrounding areas. Yes of course Richard promoted his tours but then anyone else in business would have done the same BUT he also recommended Dover Seas Safari too!! The kiosk did not end due to lack of volunteers it was because DHB decided the space was needed in preparation for the future development of the Western Docks.
Secondly, I have known Richard for many years and have volunteered for him for the last 8 years. Despite the negativity and lack of support from DDC, DTC and DHB to boost tourism in Dover Richard has continuously battled to try and attract people to our town.
Howard, I fear you are one of the many sheeple people that trudge around town believing in what you read in the media and jump on the band wagon without knowing the clear facts.
With reference to the Grand Shaft fiasco as Howard puts it, again, there are two sides to the story. Richard felt the Grand Shaft should be open to the people of the town and visitors from afar and so consulted with DDC and took advice from English Heritage on the way in which this could be achieved. Had it have gone to plan it was going to be free for all to visit, volunteers were plentiful and the initial cost of clearing the site was at the expense of Richard. On top of this the painting was done using limestone paint as advised by English Heritage. Again this is another example of how Richard was trying to promote tourism in our town.
With regards to Horace, yes he was a true gent and invested a lot into Dover, but again Richard helped him with his cart and supported Horace in any way he could.
Please if people are going to criticise Richard then at least do your research and get the full story rather the base it on useless media stories such as Dover Express or word of mouth.
Vic, full respect to you, even though people come against you I thank you for trying to explain the true facts.
At the end of the day DHB are in the process of destroying what few businesses are in the Western Dock region, please don't be naïve and think the expansion of the port will look anything like the pretty pictures DHB have shown. It is a firm belief among many boat owners that the new marina will never happen, why should it? DHB see it as an inconvenience to them, cargo makes much more money for them, more profit and bigger bonuses.
If just wish people would go down to the Marina and pay Richard a visit, take a look in the visitor book at the thousands of comments left by people from all over the world that have loved our town. Richard is a very misunderstood character, sure he doesn't get it right all the time and has made one or two errors along the way but so have we all, ultimately he is very kind and giving and all he ever wanted was to get Dover on the map. Unfortunately this was impossible because the likes of DDC DTC and DHB have a different vision and fail to support those that try and make a difference to out town.
Howard, really!!! Vandalised it to play victim!!! Jokes on you there I think, how absurd can a grown man be!!!