XN000022-1996-09-18 — Page 8

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A series of activities have been proposed to be launched in 1997 to publicise the achievements of AAB and AMO in preserving the heritage of Hong Kong over the past decades, and to raise the profile of heritage preservation to a new height. The Board further agreed to form a steering group to implement the proposed programmes.

Representatives of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) were invited to brief the Board on the Western Corridor Railway project.

Members expressed grave concern over the possible impact of the project on the historical and archaeological items along the future alignment. The Board urged KCRC to consult the Board and AMO fully on the Environmental Impact Assessment Study to be conducted soon.

The Board was briefed by representatives of the Planning Department and consulted on the Town Planning White Bill and the Territorial Development Strategy Review. The policy statement issued by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands in June entitled "Urban Renewal in Hong Kong" was also discussed.

The Board expressed serious concern over the lack of proper regard in these proposals to the need to ensure heritage protection when devising developmental plans in Hong Kong.

Members reiterated the paramount importance of protecting the "cultural environment" of Hong Kong. The Board further urged that the future Urban Renewal Authority should have a mechanism to look after and protect the historical buildings in the urban area.

End

Improvements to social centres for the elderly

Several improvements to social centres for the elderly have been implemented since the publication of the report of the working group on care for the elderly in August 1994.

This was stated by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Ian Strachan, when he officiated at the opening ceremony of the Sik Sik Yuen Ho Wong Social Centre for Senior Citizens in Mong Kok today (Wednesday).