B. WHITE'S letter (South China Morning Post, April 8) headlined, 'Days off disrupted', suggested that activities at the University of Hong Kong's sports facilities at Sandy Bay prove disturbing to nearby residents, that there are no restrictions on level or duration of noise and that the use of facilities by non-university groups should be discouraged. These criticisms deserve a response and I should like to clarify the situation. Universities increasingly see themselves as part of the community, not as remote ivory towers. In Hong Kong, where sports facilities at local level are in short supply, the maximisation of facilities is not only desirable but a social responsibility. The University of Hong Kong's facilities, when not needed for student or staff programmes, are made available to schools, to local sports associations, charitable organisations and occasionally large corporations. Each year, over 1,000 such programmes are accommodated, normally during weekday mornings, without great detriment to local residents and to the obvious advantage, and pleasure of those participating. Occasional criticism of excessive noise in the last eight years has been placated by a number of measures to limit both the noise and its duration. In February, 1994, decibel readings were taken with the public address system at 25 per cent and 45 per cent of maximum volume. Our constant setting is 25 per cent, but even at 45 per cent, the decibel (db) levels in the nearest flats with patio doors open registered only 52 db(A). The university has placed a limit on the number of major events which might disrupt the peace of local residents and operates a series of very stringent controls, but it is clearly impossible to eliminate starting pistols and klaxons for student athletic and swimming competitions, particularly where international records are involved. We also respond sympathetically to the views of official Residents' Committees, including neighbouring Scenic Villas and enjoy good relationships with them. The university obviously regrets any disturbance to local residents, but sports facilities are meant to be used and enjoyed, not only by our students and staff, but by the whole community. The occasional disruption to the total peace and quiet of Pokfulam is a small price to pay for the healthy leisure and much needed pleasure of the community's young people. M. A. SPEAK Centre for Physical Education and Sport The University of Hong Kong
