Uproar over Tongzhou park

Tongzhou district government's decision to lease a park in Nongwang village to chicken and fish farmers has upset locals who claim to have lost one of their main recreational areas, the Beijing News reports.

"The park used to be a public area, but now our area for exercise has become smaller," the newspaper quoted an anonymous local resident as saying.

The government insists the park, which was not named, will only be used for the breeding project for three years.

"Its pond will bring the village benefits. Those renting it will pay the village committee an annual fee and be responsible for ensuring the park remains clean," said an anonymous local official.