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In response to media enquiries about an open letter issued by a group of alumni of the Faculty of Medicine of Hong Kong University, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department today (September 9) gave the following reply:
"The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) expresses great sorrow over the unfortunate incident in Stanley on August 27 and offers the deepest condolences to Miss Chong's family.
The incident is now under police investigation. LCSD is providing full assistance to Police for its investigation.
Since August 27, LCSD has started to re-inspect about 470 big trees on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) and other big trees in various districts under its maintenance. Trees have been pruned or reinforcements added to keep them in good order and for safety of the public. The Department will only resort to removing a tree if it is the only alternative. Moreover, the Department is in the process of engaging overseas experts to help strengthen and speed up the tree inspection work.
The Department will review the tree inspection and maintenance programme from time to time and improve it as necessary."
Ends/Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:42
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