A legal firm which has traded for almost 180 years in the same town centre premises, has confirmed it is to move.

Whitehead Monckton, one of Kent’s largest law firms, has revealed it is to move out of its King Street office in Maidstone and move to Eclipse Park on Sittingbourne Road in the town, next month.

The law firm, which also has offices in Tenterden, Canterbury and London, will move into offices close to the Notcutts complex just off junction seven of the M20.

Managing director, Stephen Beck said: “We have traded from King Street for almost 180 years but sadly the accommodation is no longer fit for purpose.

“With greater emphasis these days on IT developments and flexible working arrangements for staff we took the decision last year that we needed to move to a more modern and efficient premises for the future security of the business.

“The move is a reflection on the growth of the company.

"We’ve had a very positive response from staff since we announced the move at the beginning of September.

“Inevitably there will be a period of settling into a new way of working together but the high quality and position of the premises should prove to be extremely attractive to current and future staff.

“Naturally, the move will also be tinged with sadness.

“I have worked in the office ever since I joined the firm in 1992 as a trainee solicitor.

“Many of our staff in Maidstone have also worked there for many years so it will be very strange to be driving to somewhere else on a daily basis."