have been slammed.

The Trust argues it wants to improve the eastern garden at the Paget site, and build a gazebo there.

But the Trust's former properties officer Mr. Hubert Jones tore into the plans, which are before the Development Applications Board.

He stressed the organisation's responsibility was to preserve Bermuda's history.

"It is not to bulldoze a natural landscape and historic site,'' he said.

He added: "I sincerely hope the Minister of the Environment in his wisdom will refuse the plan.'' Mr. Jones said his opposition to the proposals had received a lot of support.

"My phone has been ringing off the hook. There is considerable public concern about what the National Trust is doing.'' Mr. Jones, who is still a Trust member, said he believed the organisation had "lost its way''.

"There is a lack of leadership at the council and administrative levels.'' Mr. Jones added the Waterville controversy was just one example of how the Trust was failing in its responsibilities.

However, Trust director Ms Amanda Outerbridge hit back.

She said the Waterville plans -- which have been in the pipeline several years -- would improve the eastern garden.

As well as enhancing the garden, the Trust would also be installing a new cesspit, the old one being "unsatisfactory''.

"We are also putting as many endemic plants at the site as possible.'' Ms Outerbridge said the Trust was fully aware of its mandate to look after properties.

And of the garden plan, she stressed: "We are not destroying, we are improving.''