A public forum on government plans to develop new towns near the border with Shenzhen descended into chaos yesterday but left officials determined to push the scheme through.

At a fiery open-air consultation in Sheung Shui attended by 6,000 people, many chanting and waving banners, Development Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the project would not be shelved.

He said the final round of consultations, which ends this month, would not be extended.