**********************************************************
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department today (February 15) appealed to people to keep places clean and tidy while enjoying the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on February 19 (second day of the Lunar New Year).
They are urged to take away their belongings and not to leave behind trash or newspapers.
"Offenders will be subject to a fixed penalty of $1,500," a department spokesman said.
Measures have been stepped up to tackle littering, illegal hawking and vandalism of public property.
The department, together with law enforcement teams of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Police, will strengthen patrols in venues including the Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars, UC Centenary Garden and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade where large crowds are expected.
Arrangements will be made to display banners and to broadcast on-site announcements regarding safety and keep clean appeals to visitors before and after the fireworks display.
Additional cleaning staff and security guards will also be deployed at the venues.
As part of the community support, youth volunteers will be at the HKCC to help spread the message of care for the environment and assist in the clean-up operation immediately after the fireworks.
The spokesman also reminded people who intended to go to the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront areas and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade should stay calm and take special care of their safety in crowded places.
The elevated walkway of City Hall will be closed from 6pm on February 19, while its High Block will be closed. The Low Block will remain open to the public.
Ends/Thursday, February 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:00
NNNN
