HOTELS and bed and breakfast establishments in West Devon are beginning to feel the effects as restrictions on movement bite because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Margaret Duncan, of Cherrybrook Hotel, near the recent outbreak area of foot and mouth on Roger and Marion Winsor's Dartmoor farm, said business was 'extremely quiet'.

'It's very frustrating but obviously even more so for the farmers. Everything is quiet here — even the birds don't seem to be singing,' said Mrs Duncan.

'We are very lucky in that we have repeat business. I know we won't lose them but it's new business that's not coming through.

'It's an extremely difficult time for everyone, the post offices, the village shops and for Roger and Marion — they are a lovely couple.'

Mrs Duncan also felt not enough information was being issued by MAFF to people living in affected areas.

Devon Farms Accommodation and Farm Stay UK, which has 300 members in the South West offering bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation, said farms in West Devon had been receiving support from people who had stayed with them during happier times.

Jo Down, of Little Bidlake Farm near Bridestowe, a member of Devon Farms Accommodation, said local support had been amazing, but she never expected her visitors to show so much concern.

'So many people have telephoned from all over the place and sent e-mails or cards — it's nice to know they are thinking about us,' she said.

Little Bidlake offers six bed and breakfast places and has four self-catering units. It can also take up to ten horses brought by owners.

'We have had some cancellations but at the moment we are full up for Easter with the self-catering and bed and breakfast holding up well — but who knows what will happen in a few weeks,' said Jo.

And Farm Stay said it is 'increasingly concerned' that cancellation of bookings by guests and by farms themselves is making the feeling of desperation for farmers even worse.

'This tremendous support being shown by the public for their holiday farms is therefore vitally important as it gives the clear message to each farm that it is not alone, there is life after foot and mouth, and regular visitors will come back as soon as conditions allow,' said Farm Stay spokesman Robin Head.