Kam Nai-wai, of the Central and Western District Council, also warned residents to prepare ear-plugs as the producers intend to use a helicopter in the late hours of the day.

Kam's warning followed a district council meeting yesterday at which the distributors for The Dark Knight, a sequel to the hit movie Batman Begins, outlined how the caped crusader intends to move from Gotham City to fight his enemies who are gathering in Hong Kong.

The filming locations will include the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, some parts of Queen's Road Central and The Centre. Some areas are expected to be closed to the public during the nine days of filming.

The distributor of the movie, Warner Brothers, told the council it is seeking the approval of various government departments for the closure of some roads during filming. Kam said the road closures could cause traffic chaos if done in daytime.

"Warner Brothers also said it will use a helicopter for the filming. Of course, we are worried that the residents will be disturbed," Kam said.

The representative from the distributor assured the district council Queen's Road Central will only be blocked around midnight and that daytime shooting will take place mainly inside The Centre.

He explained the helicopter would be used to film the night views along Victoria Harbour and could include A Symphony of Lights, the interactive laser-light performance connecting buildings on both sides of the harbor. The distributor also told the district council disruptions to the service of the Central-Mid-Levels escalator would be minimal.

About 80 US-based staff will be in Hong Kong for the filming and the company hopes to hire another 200 local staff.

The Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority confirmed it had received a notification from Warner Brothers, saying it would try to minimize any inconvenience to the public.