A FACTORY which housed one of Dartford's most famous businesses is being demolished. Diggers have moved into Prospect Place to pull down buildings once occupied by J&E Hall for around 200 years, to make way for a new multi-million pound retail development.

The firm moved out of the landmark structure in October, transferring its contracting division to Medway's Invicta House and the finance and information technology side of the business to Questor in Hawley Road. European human resources director, Clive Morgan, said: "It was sad to see the buildings being levelled to the ground but obviously not unexpected. J&E Hall was one of the most famous businesses in Dartford."

The Prospect Place area of Dartford will eventually be home to a new health and fitness club, four restaurant units and 650 car parking spaces as well as existing retail units.