The safety of thousands of people was being put at risk by government steps to close a gas depot dealing with emergency calls, a judge heard yesterday.
Barrie Barlow, for Hong Kong and China Gas Co (Towngas), challenged a decision not to extend its lease on land in Tsuen Wan where the depot is based.
He said the premises offered vital emergency services for a densely populated area of the northwest New Territories.
Three hospitals and many new towns are in the area which covers Tsuen Wan, Tsing Lung Tau, Sham Tseng, Tai Wo Hau, Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung and Lantau.
Mr Barlow asked: 'Why are my clients being singled out? We are providing a service which is for many reasons similar to that provided by the Fire Services Department.
'No one has ever said to the Fire Services Department that in the interest of raising revenue for the Hong Kong Government it should go and rent an industrial building.' He said the consequences of refusing to extend the lease were far-reaching.
'Relocation will result in public safety risks. It will no longer be possible to respond to emergency calls properly,' Mr Barlow told the judge.
