A Kingsdown man has told of how his father helped construct Dover's biggest eyesore, Burlington House.

The 12-storey office block was erected in 1973 - but in 1948 the site was prepared for construction - when Townwall Street was nothing more than a beaten track.

David Bassett, of Queensdown Road in Kingsdown, said his father William, known as Don helped prepare the site for construction in 1948.

He was employed under Sidcup-based firm Rush and Tomkins.

Mr Bassett, who grew up in Orpington, said: “I have spent the last six weeks looking for the picture at my mum and dad’s house.

“It must have been taken from the building or flats in the background.”

Mr Bassett moved to Kingsdown 12 years ago after repeatedly visiting the east Kent coastline. His father is actually featured in the photo driving one of the cranes. He was only 20 at the time.

When the picture was taken, William was living in digs at the foot of Dover Castle and commuted back to Orpington to see his then girlfriend Elsie, now his wife of 65 years.

Together the couple had a daughter Pat who is 63, and sons Steven and David who are 58 and 49.

William and Elsie now live in Aylesford and are 86 and 87.

Burlington House was not complete until 1973, and from the moment it was built it caused scrutiny among the local authorities.

In the 1960s, its inclusion in the town was set to be part of a bigger picture to make the area more attractive.

Initial plans were for it to stand with 23 storeys, including a roof-top restaurant, garden and office space. Guidelines included a conference hall for 650 people, showrooms, shops, and a multi-storey car park for 500 cars.

Construction work was set to begin in 1969, but it was held up by Kent County Council, who opposed the design.

Some 42 years later, Dover District Council has brought in DDS Demolition to begin tearing it down.

It will make way for the St James' retail and leisure venue comprising of a six-screen Cineworld cinema and M&S Simply Food.

Restaurants Bella Italia and Frankie and Benny’s have signed up, along with hotel firm Travelodge and fashion retailer Next.