THE National Trust has come under attack for allowing a World Heritage Site to be used for military training.

Alan Cale, 69, of Ripon, North Yorkshire, who walks through the grounds of Studley Royal estate and deer park every day, says he has become a voice for many others disturbed by increased use of the deer park and Valley of the Seven Bridges.

Soldiers from 38 Royal Engineer Regiment, based at Claro Barracks, Ripon, have a tradition stretching back to the First World War of using the estate for fitness training.

Mr Cale said: "This is supposed to be a World Heritage Site, where people can go to enjoy peace, quietness and tranquility.

"The Taj Mahal is also a World Heritage Site, but I bet they don't let their Army scramble about the place."

Mr Cale says he is most concerned by the use of bridges in the Seven Bridges Valley.

"These were built in the 1720s and are certainly not suitable for soldiers pounding over them. They were erected to take the weight of ladies in crinoline dresses, not men wearing Army boots," he said.

The Studley Estate and Fountains Abbey is owned by the National Trust. Last night, its property manager, Chris Fowler, said the trust did not receive any money from the Army for allowing their troops to use the area. They had the same free access to Studley Royal and its deer park just like any other people, he said.

He added: "We are confident that the Army's use of the park for fitness training is not causing irreparable damage to the fabric of the estate."

Mr Fowler said the Army did not have access to Fountains Abbey grounds, which attract about 300,000 visitors a year.