The annual meeting of the Elstree and Borehamwood town council was held last night (Wednesday) and the ‘sistering’ of a China city was discussed.

The town council has agreed that it will be sistered with a city in China despite already having a Twin Town Association.

Concerns were raised over how the town council will be able to afford regular trips to Huainan a city with a population of two million compared to Borehamwood’s which has 31,065.

READ MORE: Dispute erupts following decision to twin Elstree and Borehamwood town with Chinese city

John Brown, 86, of Morpeth Avenue, in Borehamwood said: "This issue was brought up some years ago and it was agreed that we should not twin with a city in China.

"The town council is not listening to the people of this town. There is no way anyone can afford a trip to China.

"Borehamwood should not be twinned with China."

Another concerned resident who attended the meeting claims she was ignored by the councillors when trying to ask a question.

Lisa Hunter said: “I have pinned my questions to the notice board in the hall. All 10 of them.

“I am full of rage at the moment. We only have a studios in the town, take that away and we have what to entice tourists? Six hotels and 25 minutes into central London or will we be relying on them to purchase one of the many new builds to stand empty.

“Empty properties are not good for businesses.”

The council has revealed the cost the project would be a ‘sister town partnership’ rather than a twin town.

The cost to the taxpayer for the project was revealed to be zero. Links would also be forged between universities and film studios.

Huw Jones, from Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, said: “There were opposite views about the China sistering town at the meeting.

“Some were in favour of the sistering and some were against. The town councillors have promised to keep all members of the public informed about it.

“Signing the sistering is due to happen at the end of the year. There will be no cost to the taxpayer and the trip to China by members will be paid by them at their own expense.

“The sistering of the China city Huainan will create business links and friendships.”

  • How do you feel about the meeting? Comment below or email steven.brown@london.newsquest.co.uk.