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A master plan, more than a decade in the making, to balance conservation in the Medway Valley Heritage Forest with a plan to increase accessibility, was rejected by city council Tuesday night.

The road map for one of London’s natural gems, which proposed a number of paved trails and new bridges, was controversial, especially among some environmentalists who argued the accessible trails and bridges could upset the delicate ecological balance in the area.

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“It appears that we’re saying people with disabilities are less deserving of public spaces,” said Coun. Maureen Cassidy, who spoke passionately in favour of the proposed plan.

“The message they will hear is that disabled people don’t have the same value as non-disabled, and the drive to be accessible might lead to ecological catastrophe.”

Despite a presentation from city planner John Fleming, who noted the bridges could be constructed in a way that doesn’t compromise the natural features in the Medway Valley, council voted 10-4 to defeat the plan.