Tree-cut on Lamma defended

Trees lining paths on Lamma Island were cut because they hindered emergency vehicles, an official said yesterday.

The trees were being trimmed after an accident in May when an ambulance overturned near Yung Shue Wan, killing an officer.

Bruno Luk Kar-kin, assistant district officer of the Islands District Office, said trees would not be felled.

The $70,000 project started last week and should be finished in about two weeks. He will visit the site today to ensure workers are following instructions.

Friends of the Earth assistant director Plato Yip Kwong-to remained suspicious.

'Cutting a branch is OK, but there's no point in cutting the whole tree down unless they want to widen the road for some reason,' he said.