Ripping up railings on steep Peel Street will create safety hazard, warn Hong Kong bar owners
Lands Department says the structures are illegal and that it is taking action after receiving complaints
A decision to tear down railings on steep slopes in SoHo’s Peel Street has angered bar owners, who say elderly people and customers will be at risk of falling.
The move by the Lands Department comes a month after it ordered the removal of ramps allowing easier access into bars and restaurants in the popular Central district that it said were illegal structures, even though they had been there for years.
“We’re outraged,” said Sam Weil, who runs popular music lounge Peel Fresco and was speaking on behalf of 10 food and beverage outlets.
It’s very dangerous now – we’ve had several customers fall off the steps
He said the ramps had helped pedestrians up pavements that were around 65cm and that people used the railings while negotiating the steep street.
“It’s very dangerous now – we’ve had several customers fall off the steps. There have been a number of accidents,” Weil said, complaining that the government’s push to clear streets of such structures was not being applied even-handedly across Hong Kong.
“We don’t know why they’re targeting our street,” he added, expressing concern for elderly residents who live on the street. “Some of the little old ladies who live here just can’t get up.”
The Lands Department confirmed in a statement to the South China Morning Post that it had opted to remove the structures after receiving a number of complaints.
“Both steps and railings were confirmed as unauthorised structures on the carriageway and pedestrian pavement respectively,” said a spokesperson. The department had “considered all relevant factors including public safety for road users and after discussions with the Transport Department and Highways Department”.
Last year the Legislative Council’s Public Accounts Committee said that reports of unauthorised building works in the city had increased from 24,577 in 2004 to 41,146 last year, a rise of 67.4 per cent, but the number of removals had dropped from 41,210 to 22,866 (44.5 per cent) over the period.
Lawmakers complained that the department was dragging its heels in dealing with the issue.
But the clearance has not gone down well with residents.
“The government is not doing enough to help elders going down these streets,” said Ann Yung Mai-on, 72, as she walked down Peel Street. She complained that she sometimes suffered knee pains while walking down SoHo’s hills.
“If they remove the railings then that would be dangerous for elders.”
Conrad Leung Mak-kok, 18, a Peel Street resident, also expressed concern about the removal of the structures. “There are lots of old people on this street, and many people walk up here. It’s not convenient and it’s not safe.”
