JOURNALIST Janet Street-Porter stuck the boot into the National Trust during its annual meeting at Swindon’s Steam museum.

She was fighting her corner in a debate citing the footpath as man’s greatest gift to civilisation rather than manor houses.

Speaking to a 500-strong audience, the fiery former TV executive said English country houses were bought by the rich for the rich to enjoy and symbolised wealth and greed.

“Most of us know where we would be in these palaces of privilege – below stairs,” she said.

“How many Georgian, Victorian or gothic mansions do you need?

“I have seen you all shuffling around them when you really should be celebrating our splendid footpaths.”

She joined travel guide writer Chris Somerville to argue the case against Country Life magazine’s Marcus Binney and Clive Aslet.

But, rather than divide the audience on the subject, members were united in their displeasure at the question.

One audience member simply said: “I find it impossible to vote, you are trying to divide us when I tell you we simply enjoy both.”

Janet could not stay to learn for the results of the debate, instead choosing to bid an early farewell to the audience, slipping out of the museum’s back door.

Before she left Swindon, she said: “Instead of celebrating the country house we should be championing this unique expression of democracy.

“The footpath never needs decorating and the footpath allows us to escape, to contemplate and refresh our souls.”

Janet refused to discuss her fleeting visit to Swindon with the Advertiser as she had a train to catch.

After the debate, the audience of National Trust members were given a report by director general Fiona Reynolds.

Ms Reynolds said she was pleased that the National Trust has experienced a boom in its operations despite the recession as people in ever greater numbers seek unique and memorable experiences.

The success of Saturday’s meeting could be good for the Swindon HQ’s bid to hold the trust’s annual general meeting in the town every year.

A spokesman said: “We’re hopeful we can keep the event in the town.”