A historic hotel with links to the notorious Kray twins has closed its doors for the final time as housing developers prepare to demolish the building.

The Russell Hotel, in Boxley Road, Maidstone - which is thought to have once been owned by the gangster brothers - ceased trading yesterday after serving customers for decades.

The building was advertised by Christie and Co for £2.75m, but the final selling price was not revealed when it sold in 2012.

At the time of the sale, an agent revealed the property had a link with the notorious Kray family but it took businessman Don Verrell to confirm the connection.

The previous owner said he sold the building to East End-born Ronald and Reggie Kray in 1978.

Speaking to the Kent Messenger, Mr Verrell said: “I put it on the market in 1978. The next thing, this long Mercedes limousine, a 600 model with dark tinted windows, pulls up.

"I knew they were acting on behalf of one of the Krays’ companies, because I was informed so. Two smartly suited men stepped out and asked me to show them round.

“After viewing it they said ‘right, we’ll have it. How soon can we start converting it?’"

The brothers were involved in a series of armed robberies, arson attacks and violent assaults, including torture and the murders of Jack ‘The Hat’ McVitie and George Cornell.

It’s understood their mother Violet would stay at the hotel while visiting Reggie at Maidstone Prison.

He died in August 2000, just eight weeks after being released from another prison, suffering from cancer.

Last week, the town's planning committee approved plans to replace the 42-bedroom Victorian property with 12 detached houses and two link-detached properties, despite objections from 44 neighbours.

The dwellings, which will be built by Clarendon Homes, will be split into nine four-bedroom, three three-bedroom and two five-bedroom houses.

The decision to close the three-star business was made after it failed to compete with rival accommodation in the town, including the Village Urban Resort in Castle View, the Premier Inn in London Road and the Travelodge in St Peter’s Street.

The company's 12 full-time employees and 15 part-time workers, including owner Catherine Travers and general manager Brian Nelson, came together on Sunday to say farewell to the hotel.

Events co-ordinator Sara Winter said: "All of the staff were very dedicated to the hotel and the outstanding service we provided. We have a remarkable team of people, including some who have worked at the hotel for more than 10 years

"We would like to say a big thank you to all the customers that have supported the hotel."

The closure is another blow to hit the county town's economy this week.

Yesterday, we revealed Lincoln Furniture Warehouse, otherwise known as The Big Yellow Building in St Peter’s Street, is to close after 16 years.

Aylesford Newsprint, in New Hythe Business Park, has also revealed it has gone into administration. The company employs more than 300 people.