We refer to the letter from Ed Shepherd headlined 'Pleasant ride replaced by fume-filled nightmare' (South China Morning Post, December 24).
Mr Shepherd said a cycle track to Tuen Mun was closed when the KCR Corporation began building West Rail. There are occasions when cycle lanes and recreational facilities have to be closed temporarily to facilitate the construction works of West Rail.
However, such closures are decided upon only when it is necessary, and prior approval is always obtained from relevant government departments.
In most cases, alternative routes are provided and appropriate notices and road signs are posted.
We understand the construction works of the project inevitably cause some disturbance to nearby residents. The corporation always tries to keep the disturbance to the minimum and ensure that the period of closure of the facilities is kept as short as possible.
The civil construction works of West Rail are now more than 90 per cent complete and we are confident it will begin operating ahead of schedule.