A dispute has erupted over the copyright use of maps shown on the website of Dover historian Lorraine Sencicle.

Dover town clerk Allison Burton wrote on Thursday to Mrs Sencicle, of Danes Court, about the use of Dover maps on her website, The Dover Historian.

The letter asked Mrs Sencicle to either remove the maps or request the right to use them from the creator, Prosper Divas, and from Dover Town Council.

The town clerk ordered for action to be taken within seven days of the letter being issued.

In response to this order, the maps were taken down immediately, but Mrs Sencicle’s husband, Alan, complained to Cllr Sue Jones, who represents
Maxton, Elms Vale and Priory.

Mr Sencicle said: “Last summer both Lorraine and myself attended a function in the
Market Square.

“At the same time Lorraine asked you for permission to incorporate the maps quoted above into her website www.
doverhistorian.com.

“You gave permission and the maps were uploaded to the website. The town council was credited as the source.

“I am puzzled as to the reason why, more than seven months later, Lorraine has now been instructed to remove these maps.

“Lorraine and I are active in promoting tourism through her website and my rail fares campaign.

“Neither of us has applied for, nor been granted, any public money to fund either of these activities.

“Lorraine pays for all costs associated with the running of the website and I have never claimed any travelling expenses for the rail fares campaign aimed specifically at Southeastern.”

Mr Sencicle asked for the town clerk to be informed, and for a letter of approval to be sent.

The reply from Cllr Jones said: “I do not have the authority to give permission for any property owned or under licence to the town council to be used, either verbally or, as usually required, in writing.

“This authority can only be granted by the officers of the council under instruction from the council as a whole.

“I hope you appreciate that in informal conversations it is easy to misconstrue the discussion and that is why any permission could only be valid in writing.

“Please submit your request again in writing for the council to consider.”

She added: “I wholeheartedly support any efforts by people to promote Dover in a good light and raise its profile and the success you have had with the rail fares campaign and the historian website so far reflects both your hard work.”

Mrs Sencicle insists she will not be submitting a request in writing.

See the full report in the Dover Mercury, out now.