THE Government must act swiftly to help West Devon rebuild its economy in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.

That was the message from Liberal Democrat MP John Burnett following last week's general election at which he was returned with a majority of almost 1,200.

Within 48 hours of his re-election, Mr Burnett was at a meeting in Tavistock with the constituency's rural task force outlining the strategy needed to help the crisis-hit area.

'The immediate requirement is to get the Devon Recovery Plan agreed by central government,' he said.

'We need about £180-million in help over the next three years — that means not just a proper system of rate relief for businesses hit by the crisis, but investment in a paid training scheme.'

Mr Burnett said the indications were that the Government was enthusiastic about the task force's suggestions, but that it would be up to him to ensure it was brought to ministers' attention.

'This constituency needs a huge marketing campaign aimed at the domestic tourist industry once Dartmoor is fully open.

'We want no corners cut. We want a good campaign during prime-time television, such as Coronation Street, so that the rest of Britain knows they can come here and have a fabulous holiday.'

Mr Burnett said action on farming must include a full public enquiry into the entire foot and mouth crisis. He also wanted to see the Government honouring its commitment on compensating farmers — payments had been too slow, he said.

'There should also be compensation for those farmers hit as a consequence of the crisis, particularly for the loss of cattle that were unable to go into the food chain because movement restrictions took them over the 30-month limit.'

The constituency task force includes representatives from tourism, farming and government agencies. Mr Burnett said its purpose was 'to speak with one voice for West Devon and Torridge'.

On health, education, policing and other issues, he said there was a need for 'fair shares' throughout Britain in all areas of public spending.

Mr Burnett was one of 52 Liberal Democrat MPs returned to the Commons — the highest number since the days of David Lloyd George.

Mr Burnett's majority was down by almost 800 on the 1997 result, but his share of the vote increased slightly as did the Conservative share.

Labour's vote was down by about 1,300 and the anti-EU vote also fell — in 1997 the Referendum Party and the UKIP polled more than 3,700 in total. This election the UKIP polled just over 2,600. The Green Party, which did not stand last time, polled almost 1,200 votes.

But the biggest fall was in the number of those voting - the turnout was down by more than 7%, although this was not as sharp a fall as in most seats.

Defeated Conservative Geoffrey Cox said he was disappointed by the result. His party's canvas returns had indicated the fight was neck and neck.

The Conservatives polled well in rural areas of the constituency where there was a higher turnout — Mr Cox believes the foot and mouth crisis was a major factor in bringing more voters to the polls.

But he refused to join some in his party who have criticised William Hague and his team for concentrating too much of the Conservatives' campaign fire on the Euro.

Mr Cox, who said in his election literature that he would never support joining the single currency, added: 'It would be indecorous to criticise those who led a campaign that I supported.

'But we do need to look to develop interesting, appealing and serious policies concerning the public services. That is something where we must demonstrate we have a grip.'

Mr Cox said he and his family had fallen in love with West Devon, an area he described as 'the most beautiful place in the world', and would continue to live here.

'I would like to fight the seat again, but that is not my decision, it is up to the constituency's Conservative Association,' he said.

l Mr Burnett was shadowed on the campaign trail by a journalist from Italy as part of a British Council scheme to increase knowledge overseas of UK elections.

Francesca Paci, a new media journalist on the Italian newspaper La Stampa, stayed at Tavistock's Bedford Hotel, and joined Mr Burnett at hustings and on the campaign trail.