While I am grateful to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for its reply (South China Morning Post, October 11) to my letter (Post, September 30) regarding Stage 7 of the Lantau Trail, I do not feel it has fully answered my questions.
If the fence blocking the Yi O to Fan Lau footpath has now been removed does that mean it is safe to walk there again? And, to what aim do the relevant government departments continue to 'liaise' closely with the villagers, in relation to this path?
The new trail provided by the AFCD may indeed be delightful, but other scenic routes exist which give panoramic views of the area and it can, in no way, be considered a substitute for the coastal path which wends its way from Tai O through Yi O to Fan Lau. This far-flung southwest corner of Lantau offers some perfect hiking, fresh air, solitude, scenic vistas and opportunities to glimpse village life. Fan Lau, with its historic fort and colourful temples, allows visitors the chance to bask on the beach refreshed with drinks and snacks bought from the few remaining elderly vendors. This is an important source of revenue to them.
If the footpath has now been reopened, perhaps the AFCD would be kind enough to instruct its staff to cut back the vegetation and maintain this trail again, so that this area of the country parks network is accessible for all walkers.
JACQUELINE GREEN
Lantau