The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today removed a withered old tree outside the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station on Nathan Road to ensure public safety.

The Ficus microcarpa tree, with a height of about 14m, is listed on the Register of Old & Valuable Trees. It was found to have advanced wood decay and cavities in a limb over the walkway and in its trunk base.

The department had all along carried out regular inspections, maintenance and mitigation measures, but the tree's health and structural conditions continued to deteriorate.

Due to heavy pedestrian and road traffic on the part of the road where the tree is located, the department determined that steps needed to be taken to avoid posing a danger to pedestrians and other road users.

Having consulted and being supported by the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel, the Yau Tsim Mong District Council and the Development Bureau's Greening, Landscape & Tree Management Section, the department removed the tree today and a Weeping Fig will be replanted at Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard.

The department reiterated that it will continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care, and the removal of problematic trees will be undertaken only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available.