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The banner displayed in Lion Rock Country Park has been removed with the assistance of the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Civil Aid Service (CAS), the Government Flying Service (GFS) and the Police this afternoon (October 24), a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said.
In the operation, a helicopter operated by the GFS was deployed to fly eight members of the High Angle Rescue Team of the FSD, five members of the CAS and the tools to the hill site for removing the banner. The operation started shortly after noon and finished at around 1.30pm. The banner is being kept as evidence by the AFCD.
The spokesman stressed that the displaying of the banner was not authorised by the Country and Marine Parks Authority. Therefore, it had to be removed in accordance with the law.
"The huge banner hanging on the cliff would have posed danger to public safety if it had been blown off by strong wind," the spokesman said.
The AFCD will continue to investigate into the case. Prosecution will be taken if there is sufficient evidence, the spokesman added.
Under the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations(Cap 208A), Regulation 10(1)(a), any person who displays any sign, notice, poster, banner or advertisement within a country park or special area without permission granted by the Authority shall be guilty of an offence. The maximum penalties for contravening the above regulation are a fine of $2,000 and three months' imprisonment.
Ends/Friday, October 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:38
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