Removal of binoculars stops voyeurs gaining view of residents' private lives

Peeping toms were apparently about to have a field day with several public binoculars in Ma Liu Shui that could be trained directly on residential blocks in Ma On Shan across Tolo Harbour. The binoculars, installed along the new promenade near the Science Park, had to be removed following complaints they might be providing a front-row-centre view of people's living rooms and bedrooms across the bay.

'We have been trying to address the issue,' said a spokeswoman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Each set of binoculars costs about HK$57,000. The spokeswoman said the binoculars were supposed to provide visitors with a view of the harbour and Pat Sin Leng.

It is technically possible to lock the devices at an angle so they cannot turn towards Ma On Shan, and between two to six binoculars will be reinstalled with their angle readjusted, the spokeswoman added.