Good post Ian though biased
I don't doubt Richard had both his and Dovers interests in mind, why not any business would and should do the same.
I must agree with regard to the vandalism of the grand shaft entrance though, the moats and tunnels of the napoleonic fortress are daubed with chalk graffiti ( some of it mine from childhood when the tunnels were my playground) it took the maturity of adulthood to realise that it was vandalism. Richard should have realised the same. It would have been simple enough to do the paintings on plywood and cheaper in terms of paint.
But as you say he has made a few mistakes, I see it as a shame that we are going to lose one of Dovers successful tourist attractions it will be a real shame for the visitors on the cruise ships who have always thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience of seeing the white cliffs up close and personal.