PEOPLE are being invited to attend a public debate into the military presence on Dartmoor on September 27.

The informal debate will take place at St Cuthbert?s Conference Centre, Buckfast Abbey from 10am to 4.30pm.

It is 28 years since a formal public inquiry ? the Sharp Inquiry ? discussed the pros and cons of military training on Dartmoor and a generation of differing views have developed since then.

Some consider military training inappropriate within a national park; others point out that troops were on Dartmoor long before the national park was created in 1951 and were not excluded then.

Some people are concerned about damage from vehicles and litter; others stress environmental, economic and social benefits.

The debate will raise such questions as ? What sort of activity is right within a national park? Does a military presence bring a much-needed diversity to Dartmoor?s economy and society? Has the conservation advice given to the military been wise (eg regarding removal of old structures?) and Is Dartmoor really essential as a training ground for modern warfare and the humanitarian role of armed forces?

This will be the first time an informal debate has been held by the Dartmoor Society and will be chaired by Jo Cole, environment correspondent for Carlton Television.

Morning speakers include Dr Tom Greeves on ?5,000 Years of Military Cultural Heritage?, a panel of speakers from the MoD and Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society on ?Beat the Retreat: Army off Dartmoor?.

The afternoon will be given over to open discussion.

Dr Tom Greeves said the debate promised to be lively and interesting: ?The purpose of the day is to generate a well-informed discussion, so that people feel they have learnt a great deal about one of the key contemporary issues on the moor.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

Bookings need to be made by September 20 to The Dartmoor Society, PO Box 38, Tavistock, PL19OXJ.

The cost for the day is £17 or £15 to Dartmoor Society members. Further information can be obtained by contacting 01822 853008.