Chinese visit

A group of Beijing officials visited the borough this week to learn about local government in Britain.

The Chinese delegates with Hertsmere's chief officers and senior managers outside the Civic Offices

The delegates were from the Xicheng District People's Congress which is situated in a wealthy part of the capital city, home to many important financial institutions and government offices.

Whilst at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood the group met the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Peter Knell, and the council’s senior management team, who spoke about the various services of the council including planning, housing, recycling and democratic services.

Chief Executive Donald Graham said: "It was a great opportunity for us to host the visit and we all found it very interesting, in particular the question and answer session which focused on planning, housing affordability and recycling.

"Their district is on a much grander scale than Hertsmere but the visit was useful for both parties."

SK Richard Peng, the group’s translator, said: "It was such a very well-organised meeting that they feel very informed, they found it very helpful.  They also deeply experienced the hospitality shown to them."