A HOTLY-DEBATED £2million public bike scheme for the New Forest will not go ahead, it has been decided today.

The New Forest Public Bike Scheme had been backed by a 2,000 signature petition and supported by professional cyclists Jens Voight and Chris Boardman.

But at an extraordinary general meeting New Forest National Park Authority members voted to discontinue the scheme.

Proponents of the plans, based on the Boris Bike scheme in London, argued it would reduce pollution and have health benefits, while opponents said proposals were not financially viable and did not have enough public support.

Members voted 12 to two against the plans with three abstentions.