PROTESTERS are engaged in a war of words with the Ministry of Defence over footpath closures near a firing range.

Army Training Estate administers the site at Chilcomb Down, near Winchester, on the MoD's behalf.

The range lies within the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the proposed South Downs National Park.

When firing takes place, red flags are supposed to be raised along the site's perimeter.

Ramblers and residents believe that the system is being abused. They argue that the flags are flying when the range is not active, putting nearby footpaths out of bounds.

Dr Owen Plunkett, Hampshire spokesman for the Ramblers' Association, said that when he went walking at Chilcomb Down last month, he noticed that the flags were up but that there was no shooting.

His concerns are shared by Mollie Bailey, the rights of way expert for Owslebury Parish Council.

In 2003, she criticised the MoD after warning signs were installed near the range in Morestead Road and Fawley Lane. She argued that they were in the wrong place and prevented ramblers using paths that were safe.

Mrs Bailey said the MoD had agreed to take away some signs, but not all those that she had identified were removed.

Bill Jenman, South Downs Way national trail officer, has also called for action: "They've been written to several times and I went to see them as well."

He stated that some signs were still in the wrong place, forcing the periodic closure of Footpath 2 at Chilcomb Down. He added that this route should remain open at all times.

Project manager for the AONB, Alison Tingley, said she was also concerned, claiming that many of the signs in Morestead Road were unnecessary while some were ugly and should be removed where possible.

"It's completely over the top and has a harmful effect on the countryside," she said.

The MoD spokesman said a balance needed to be struck between military and leisure use, adding that it was not in their interest to use the range more than necessary as two soldiers had to guard the site during firing.

He admitted that warning flags sometimes stayed in place because it was not practical to lower them if there was a lull in firing of two hours or less.

However, he added that the MoD had not received a large number of complaints about footpath closures at Chilcomb Down.