The problem with letters to newspapers is that they often get edited or shortened. You need to keep them succinct and to the point. Having said that you should also try and lay it out in such a way that helps the editor.
I have attempted to include all the points you made, but it probably is still too long. I hope it helps
Dear Editor,
I write in response to your request for opinions regarding the government’s new town plan for Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan.
Whilst they were originally planned to be similar to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon I am afraid to say that this has not been achieved.
There are several reasons for this. One of the major problems is that they are both isolated. The journey takes over an hour to get there due to lack of an effective public transport infrastructure.
This has unfortunately made people unwilling to live there as it is seen as an awkward and inconvenient place.
Another serious problem is the lack of commercial and industrial centers’. The towns are basically large areas of domestic housing which has the effect of turning them into dormitory areas with no character or diversity. Very boring and not at all helpful in attracting people to the area
As a result the majority of the population is made up of single parent families, with little control over their children. This has resulted in the children being targeted by inscrutable elements such as Triad organisations, causing crime rates to soar. Another deterrent to normal working people.
I think it is important that the Government sits down with the local authorities and develop a robust and effective public transport system, including rail links and roads to Kowloon. Once that is done then people might begin to be interested in going there.
Similarly there needs to be an initiative to attract industrial and commercial activities to the area. This could be achieved by grants and other financial incentives. This will help to change people’s perceptions that there is only residential property there.
Increased policing and access to social services is essential to reduce crime and provide much needed community facilities.
If these steps are taken without delay then I believe that this initiative can get back on track and achieve its initial objectives. I hope that someone somewhere will listen to what I have said
yours faithfully,
Chris Wong