People urged to keep venues clean during National Day Fireworks Display
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    The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (September 29) appealed to people to keep places clean and tidy while enjoying the National Day Fireworks Display on Monday (October 1).

     People should take away their belongings and not leave behind trash or newspapers.

     "Offenders will be subject to a fixed penalty of $1,500," an LCSD spokesman said.

     Measures have been stepped up to tackle littering, illegal hawking and vandalism of public property.

     The LCSD and law enforcement teams of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Police, will strengthen patrols in venues including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, 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 broadcast on-site announcements regarding safety and keep clean appeals to visitors.

     Additional departmental staff, security guards and cleaning staff will also be deployed to the venues.

     As part of the community support, youth volunteers will go to the Cultural Centre 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 that they should take special care of their safety in crowded places.

     The Hong Kong City Hall High Block and the elevated walkway will be closed from 6pm on Monday. The Low Block will be opened to the public as usual.

     Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden will be closed from noon on October 1. Middle Road Children's Playground and Signal Hill Garden will be closed from 4pm that day.

Ends/Saturday, September 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:01

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