A three-month ban has been lifted on an historic hotel which was closed after a drugs and prostitution bust.

The court order to close the Stone Court Hotel in Lower Stone Street expired on Saturday September 1.

Kent Police applied to West Kent Magistrates to impose the restriction in May, days after 30 officers stormed the 17th century building.

The court action, granted under the Sexual Offences Act, reinforced a prohibition notice issued by Kent Fire and Rescue on the night of the unannounced operation, requiring the business to improve fire safety provisions before it could re-open.

Four people were arrested during the search for a range of crimes including facilitating prostitution, supplying drugs and possessing an offensive weapon.

Two of the suspects, both men, were released without charge. A 43-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman have had their bail extended until next month.