Most Hongkongers sympathise with Tuen Mun residents who complain their area has been made a dumping ground for unpleasant industries and facilities - but do not want them in their backyard either.
This was revealed by a survey of 1,100 residents across the city, 14 per cent of whom were in Tuen Mun.
The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Association, which conducted the poll, said 80 per cent of respondents agreed it was unfair for Tuen Mun to take most of the polluting facilities, which they said would deter tourism and development, and drag down property prices. About 60 per cent also believed Tuen Mun residents' health was being affected.
But their sympathy did not translate into willingness to share the burden.
Almost all rejected the notion that the objectionable installations - including power plants, a landfill, proposed sludge-and-solid-waste incinerators, cement factory and an aviation-fuel storage depot - should be moved near their homes.
Association chairman Ricky Fan Hai-tai said the survey results showed a serious 'not in my backyard' syndrome that badly needed government attention.