A HOTELIER who describes the current crisis on Dartmoor as 'economic meltdown' has launched a website 'think tank' to gather ideas for the future.

Philip Davies, who owns the Two Bridges Hotel, created the website as a means of helping to revitalise Dartmoor. 'I'm looking forward to when the foot and mouth nightmare is over. I want to regenerate the economy —especially on Dartmoor. We need to do everything we can. Every avenue must be explored,' he said.

The website has only been running for a week and already has had considerable local interest — and even some from as far away as America.

'It is our best chance. If we can share ideas and they work let's use them. We are all in the same boat and we need help.'

He said it was impossible to know when the crisis would be over — but it was important to get the ball rolling.

The Two Bridges Hotel, currently closed, would normally have sold around 300 Mother's Day lunches. Last Sunday it served none.

'Where will customers go next year? It doesn't mater which level you look at it, it's bad news. It is touching everyone's life, where ever you go.'

To help the cause he has decided to stand as an Independent for Yelverton Rural, which embraces the Two Bridges area, in the Devon County Council elections.

'I will be totally non-political — trying to get aid and help for those that need it,' he said.