A WEB design company has taken over the internet site of a failed airline which it created, but was not paid for.

The website of Excelsis Airways has now been transformed into a forum for visitors to recount their experiences of the airline and its controversial director, Victor Bassey.

An investigation by The Northern Echo found the Nigerian businessman had left a string of debts and broken promises across the North-East.

He is currently on police bail after being arrested by members of Cleveland Police’s fraud investigation team.

The internet site – excelsi sairways.com – was created by Redcar company E-Strands Limited.

Director Michael Janes has been advised not to comment until legal proceedings are completed.

However, it is understood his company is owed about £10,000 for creating the site.

A statement on the site says: “Due to unpaid invoices this site is the intellectual property of E-Strands Ltd.

“Please visit our forum to add your comments and factual information about your experience of Excelsis Airways or Victor Bassey.”

Among the topics on the forum is one called, Who is Victor Bassey?

Another lists Mr Bassey’s previous addresses and a third features links to articles about the airline and the businessman which appeared in The Northern Echo.

It is believed E-Strands intends to pass any relevant comments left on the site to the police.

Mr Bassey is due to answer bail next month.

He was arrested after concerns were raised by former employees of Excelsis.

The airline was launched in May last year with the aim of re-establishing air links between Durham Tees Valley Airport and London.

However, it collapsed five months later when workers were not paid and Mr Bassey temporarily disappeared.

It later emerged that the businessman had run up further debts after launching other companies in the region.

He also failed to pay wedding suppliers who provided services for his marriage to Comfort Awunor.

The venue for the ceremony, St Paul’s Church, in Spennymoor, County Durham, is among Mr Bassey’s creditors.

Mr Bassey’s phone rang unanswered when The Northern Echo called yesterday.