Plan for music zones in park fails to soothe residents' nerves

A proposal to set up designated areas for elderly music lovers in Tuen Mun Park has failed to impress residents, who complain the singing in the park has been haunting them for years.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department is planning to set up two self-entertainment zones in the park that can cater to groups of about 100 each in a three-month trial to begin later this month.

'The proposal works under a principle that performers and their fans can enjoy entertainment without causing disturbance to others,' Tuen Mun district councillor Josephine Chan Shu-ying said.

Ms Chan chairs a working group set up to tackle the noise problem. 'No external amplifiers will be allowed in these zones. The most important thing is to find a noise level that is acceptable to performers, residents nearby and park users. If any singing group violates the rule, they will not be allowed to use these zones for a month.' The plan will be reviewed in June.

But the incorporated owners at Kam Wah Garden, which represents 500 households, said they were disappointed by the plan. 'I respect their right to sing. But their music, which is poison to us all, has been haunting us for two years,' said a Kam Wah Garden resident who declined to be named. 'I have to close all windows and turn on air conditioners every day, even during winter, in order to enjoy some peace and quiet at home.'

The department's chief leisure services manager of New Territories West, Margrit Li Lai-fan, said no complaints had been received after a joint operation carried out on February 19 with the Environmental Protection Department and police.