Palm trees and sculptures on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront have been wrapped in plastic to protect them from vandals during tonight's New Year's Eve celebrations.
The drastic move is aimed at preventing a repeat of the attack by revellers who sprayed paint on the Cultural Centre's walls, windows and trees on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Twenty tonnes of rubbish were also dumped in the area over the two days.
Tonight, the Clock Tower and the Cultural Centre will be roped off while security will be bolstered. A Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokeswoman said it would also put up banners asking the public to keep the area clean.
About 300 representatives from 12 youth groups have volunteered for clean-up duty. 'We have a group of young people who love the environment and we think they can play a part by setting an example for others,' said Wu Pui-wah, a youth volunteer supervisor of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.
Meanwhile, nearby hotels have tightened security and are confident they will not have any problems with vandals.
A Peninsula spokeswoman said Salisbury Road would be blocked off to vehicles and security guards would patrol the hotel.
