Politicians from Japan have visited Watford to learn more about local democracy.

The four councillors, members of the Fukuoka City Assembly, visited Watford Community Housing Trust and met Dorothy Thornhill, the town’s elected mayor, today as part of a study tour around Europe.

The group decided to visit the housing trust because it is one of only four in the country that involves residents in decision making, allowing people to vote on important issues.

Eiji Ota, one of the councillors to visit the town today, said: “In Fukuoka we have housing provided by the local authority, but here you have a housing organisation that is run by the residents and members. That’s something we don’t have - it’s real autonomy.

“We also learned a lot from meeting the mayor and we recognised the importance of local government in Watford. It was worth coming all this way and we learned a lot more than we expected to.”

Dorothy Thornhill added: “I am very proud that Watford is seen as a good example of local democracy in action. It was interesting to hear their views and I hope we have given them something to think about.”