**********************************************************
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (January 31) appealed to the public to mind their safety and to keep places clean while enjoying the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on February 4 (second day of the Lunar New Year).
Members of the public are urged to take away their belongings and not to leave trash behind.
Measures have been stepped up to tackle littering, illegal hawking and vandalism of public property.
The department, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will strengthen patrols in LCSD venues including the piazza of Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, Urban Council Centenary Garden, Avenue of Stars, Middle Road Children's Playground, Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, where large crowds are expected.
A spokesman for the LCSD said, "Banners will be displayed and on-site announcements on safety and keeping places clean will be broadcast before and after the fireworks display."
Additional cleaning staff and security guards will also be deployed at the venues.
Before the fireworks display, youth volunteers from the community groups will help spread the message of keeping the environment clean to the public in the area of the HKCC. They will also assist in the clean-up operation immediately after the event.
"Littering offenders will be subject to a fixed penalty of $1,500," the spokesman said.
He also reminded people that the above mentioned venues would be crowded during the fireworks display and they should stay calm and take special care of their safety.
Ends/Monday, January 31, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:01
NNNN
