SHOPPERS in Watford were greeted by Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday as he launched the Government's latest initiative to encourage voting in local elections.

Watford is one of 40 areas across the country taking part in a pilot scheme and Mr Blair backed it when he visited Asda supermarket in St Albans Road, where polling booths were officially opened yesterday (Thursday) and will remain open today and tomorrow, from 8am to 9pm.

Residents voting in Watford Council elections can use the new early polling station, or their local polling stations next Friday and Saturday.

Minister for Local Government and the Regions Hilary Armstrong said the effect of the pilot schemes was being monitored, with other areas experimenting with postal and electronic voting systems.

Ms Armstrong said new methods would be employed on a permanent basis at future local elections if they proved successful.

Watford Council Leader Vince Muspratt welcomed the new initiative. He said: 'I am delighted we were chosen for the pilot and we are hoping an awful lot of people will vote here.

'I am very pleased we have had the Prime Minister's endorsement. I would like to think we are an innovative council. We are doing a lot to raise awareness. People should make the most of their vote.'

Mr Peter Harris, 43, a plumber from Orchard Avenue in Garston, was shopping in Asda during Mr Blair's visit and said: 'It is a good idea having the polling station here. It will encourage a lot of people to vote who don't usually.'

Ms Gail D'Almaine, 40, of St Michael's Drive, Garston, agreed. She said: 'I think having a polling station here is an excellent idea. It is about time voting became more accessible. This fits in with people's lifestyles. I really hope it will make more people vote.'

The council is also running a mobile voting service for sheltered and residential care homes to allow elderly people and others who may have relied on postal votes in the past to vote in person.

Seats in 12 Watford wards are up for election in this year's poll.

During Mr Blair's whirlwind visit he also found time to visit the Regus Business Centre in Clarendon Road, Watford.

Watford MP Claire Ward said: 'I think Watford should be very proud the Prime Minister has taken time out to see what it is doing and that we are at the forefront of the Government's drive to increase voter participation.'

Voting in Three Rivers and Hertsmere takes place on Thursday.