The economy of Hong Kong can benefit from this kind of planning approach. The development of the new towns will provide some new sites for residents and tourists to visit.

I think the benefits of the plan will outweigh any drawbacks. It will encourage local partnerships and will lead to improvements in our society.

Yu Pui-king, Tsuen Wan

Should poor families get subsidies for extra-curricular activities?

I have a classmate whose family depends upon Comprehensive Social Security Assistance.

It is certainly the case that she seldom signs up for any extra-curricular activities, such as piano lessons.

Surely children from low-income families should have the same opportunities as children from families that are better off when it comes to extra-curricular activities.

All pupils are entitled to achieve their full learning potential. They are the future hope of our society and their needs should not be ignored.

The fact is that some low-income families cannot afford to allow their children to take part in extra-curricular activities. They just cannot afford the fees, even though to wealthy Hongkongers it may seem like a small amount. And yet many young people from well-off families will not take part in these extra-curricular activities, because they do not have time.

Surely the relevant government department should study ways to help families living in poverty?

Even limited measures can have a major effect on the future of young people who come from these families and this can benefit our society in the future.

All children in Hong Kong should be entitled to benefit from extra-curricular programmes and to make that possible the government should be willing to grant subsidies so young people from low-income families can take part.

If this is done it can only be a win-win situation for the children and for society.

Candice Cheung, Chai Wan

I refer to the report ('Children of low-income families miss out on all the fun, poll finds', November 17).

It was revealed that '35.1 per cent of those whose household income was HK$6,000 or less each month said their children did not join any extra-curricular activities'.

As a consequence these children are not reaching their full learning potential.

I believe that extra-curricular activities are essential for all students in Hong Kong.

Such activities provide them with a valuable experience outside the classroom and help them to learn more.

Therefore, I think subsidies have to be provided to poor families so children can take part. This will enable students from poor families to develop their talents and to get an all-round education.

Karen Ling, Yuen Long

Some students may take part in many extra-curricular activities after school, but not all pupils are that lucky.

A majority of children from low-income families do not get involved, because their parents cannot afford the fees. Not being able to join in these after-school events might slow down a child's personal development.

For that reason, I believe subsidies should be given to the children of these low-income families, to help them reach their full potential. Children are the future pillars of society. They should be able to take all the educational opportunities that are available.

Giving subsidies to children for extra-curricular activities is an investment in our society.

We need a variety of people with different talents in Hong Kong.

Pupils from low-income families are entitled to enjoy a happy childhood.

Yeung Man-ting, Tin Shui Wai

What can be done to save water?

Water is a vital resource for life. In spite of this people do not seem to treasure it.

There are many ways to persuade people to save water. The government, for instance, could increase water charges. Education is also important. The government has to get the message across about the importance of water-saving programmes. It has to make people realise that this limited resource must be treasured.

There are many things we can do. We should not keep the water running when shaving or brushing our teeth. Most people ignore this simple way of saving water.

Tim Yip, Tsuen Wan