I write to bring to everyone’s attention to the appalling state of cleanliness of the public lifts that were installed at Hong Kong’s underground and overhead bridges and walkways in recent years. These lifts, though rather spartan, are of great benefit to the aged, infirm and those who generally have difficulty in negotiating steps. The problem is that the maintenance schedule seems to have omitted an effective cleaning programme. The lifts have been fitted in Hong Kong public thoroughfares and are thus subject to local and international view and comment. They are in a constant grubby and unacceptable condition. I believe they have deteriorated to such an extent – exacerbated to some degree by the use of substandard construction materials – that they now require an immediate deep clean, with extra effort to address any of the material shortcomings. I am extremely surprised that members of our caring and responsible government and district councils, if any of them have actually used these lifts, have not taken immediate remedial action. The current regrettable Covid-19 environment, with reduced public traffic, provides a window of opportunity for the responsible authorities to implement a “blitz” cleaning and upgrading programme to bring these lifts up to the standard of a “ world city ”. Improved and maintained cleanliness will undoubtedly give us all a welcome lift. Allan Payne, Happy Valley