A SENIOR Urban Councillor and a district board member yesterday backed Government plans to build public housing on Lai Chi Kok Zoo and amusement park.
But their support clashes with moves by Mr Deacon Chiu Te-ken's Far East Entertainment Company, which wants the area to expand its Sung Dynasty City.
The Government announced its plan last July.
Two-thirds of the park area is Crown land rented on a short-term tenancy and Far East Entertainment is seeking to extend its lease.
But the Urban Council recreation select committee chairman, Mr Ronnie Wong Man-kwong, yesterday said: ''If it is the Government's decision to build a public housing estate there, I think we should respect its decision and let it go ahead.'' Mr Wong said while Lai Chi Kok had adequate recreational facilities, there was also a pressing need for housing.
His view was echoed by the Kwai Tsing District Board chairman, Mr Leung Kwong-cheong.
''It would not be rational for us to force our citizens to squeeze themselves into slums to make way for entertainment facilities,'' he said.