Just a week after landing himself in hot water over “improvements” he made to Dover’s Grand Shaft, tour operator Richard Mahoney is back in the line of fire again, this time over a kiosk he has placed on the seafront.

Last week the Mercury reported that Mr Mahoney, who runs the White Cliffs boat and town tours, had been threatened with legal action because of work he carried out to the entrance to the Grand Shaft in Snargate Street. He plans to open it up the public on a regular basis throughout the summer.

The shaft is a unique triple staircase which was used to give quick access to the port for soldiers based in the former barracks above.

He also installed a kiosk on the seafront - next to the Channel swimmers sculpture - so that leaflets could be handed out to tourists, and their questions could be answered. He is hoping to attract council funding to staff the kiosk. But several local people have said the kiosk is in the wrong place and spoils the view.

Howard McSweeney, associate editor of the Dover Forum website, said that although it might be in a position to be seen by the greatest number of people, it was not “aesthetically pleasing”.

Colette Boland said she couldn’t believe “this ugly-looking Butlins-type holiday kiosk of old” was standing in prime position between the Channel swimmers.

“It completely destroys the vista,” she said.

Independent financial adviser Barry Williams, who is also chairman of Dover District Chamber of Commerce, said: “It really is the wrong thing in the wrong place and lets the seafront down. I applaud what they are trying to do but it does not belong there at all.”

Vic Matcham, who said he was one of the helpers who moved it into place, said it might have to be moved again. “It will be moved, but not far,” he said.

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