A LABOUR member of the European Parliament (MEP) came to Watford to sound out the local Turkish community about EU membership last week.

Richard Howitt MEP, visited the Melissa Restaurant on St Albans Road last Friday, before talks about Turkey's entry into Europe began.

He said: "I had a delicious meal, cooked by the owner of the restaurant, Mehmet Sogut.

"Watford may not have the greatest number of people in its Turkish community, but there is certainly a nucleus here.

"Mr Sogut is really making a good life here in Britain."

He said Mr Sogut was in favour of Turkey joining the EU, as it would allow more people to come and work in this country and also improve conditions there.

He said although he was not suggesting that anyone should leave the UK, Turkish membership would also mean that people would be able to go back and work in their own country.

He said: "We already have £4bn worth of trade with Turkey, so it will be good for businesses in Watford.

"The people I met in the town are very much in favour of joining.

"I have voted against Turkey joining in the past, but since then it has embarked on a path of human rights reform."

He said other benefits for British people included tighter controls on the heroin trade.

At present, 80 per cent of the heroin on British streets passes through Turkey.

European membership talks with Turkey began on Monday, after Austria, which was initially opposed to full membership, backed down.

Turkey took its first step towards EU membership 40 years ago.

It will not be able to join for at least ten years.