businesses there.

And some businesses may close by next year if Government does not step in to give them a helping hand.

Shops and restaurants in Mangrove Bay are calling for a ferry dock and better advertising of Bermuda's "prettiest'' shopping area.

Mr. Robin Joell, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce special docks committee, met for more than an hour with Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan yesterday in an attempt to persuade Government to stick to its promise to build a dock.

He described the meeting as "positive,'' but apparently received no commitment that any of the needed $350,000 was forthcoming.

"We had a very constructive meeting and we both agreed to have a further meeting,'' Sir John told The Royal Gazette . Asked if any Government funds were committed, he said: "I am not at this stage in a position to comment until we complete our preliminary studies.'' A group of Somerset businesses is offering to put up some of the funds themselves. "We need to go back and do some more work,'' Mr. Joell said.

Somerset businessmen say they have watched as Dockyard has received cash and much publicity over the last few years.

They say that visitors now pass Somerset by as they head towards Dockyard on the bus and ferry.

Mrs. Marlene Young, who has run Angie's Ice Cream Parlour for the last year, says: "It is distressing to see bus loads of tourists going by while we are struggling.'' At the Somerset Country Squire, owner Mr. Donald Hassell added: "People are not going to get off at Somerset when their three dollars takes them all the way to Dockyard. They will not get off here and then pay another three dollars to go to Dockyard.'' Mr. Hassell relies on cycle trade for his tourist business, but from serving an average of 340 people a day in 1988, he is now serving only 100 to 150.

He said: "Even on the ferry nobody gets off at Watford Bridge because there is nothing for them to see there. It the ferry came round to Mangrove Bay they would get off here.

"But nothing is being done. This place is becoming Bermuda's forgotten village.'' Owner of the Loyalty Inn, Mr. Neil Virgil believes a ferry dock would persuade the whole community to get involved in attracting visitors.

"We could get local schools on a rota basis to send down their school bands to welcome tourists ashore,'' he suggested.

"They could stay for an hour or two before carrying on to Hamilton or Dockyard, just like the old days.'' Mr. Virgil also suggested persuading an elderly local person to perform a Johnny Barnes-type service and welcome people ashore. He said: "This whole thing would be an asset to the whole Island.'' All businesses have accused Government and the West End Development Corporation of boosting Dockyard at the expense of the village.

And many of the smaller shops face real problems if something is not done soon to increase visitors to Somerset.

Many have spent large amounts of money on refurbishing their premises to provide quality facilities.

Mrs. Young said: "I took on the ice cream parlour a year ago after working here for five years.

"Right now my business is not paying for itself. I am having to use my own money to keep it going. I am definitely considering throwing in the towel if things do not improve.'' Owner of Millie's souvenir shop Mrs. Donna Abbott also fears her business will close if Government does not support Somerset.

Mrs. Abbott said: "Right now business is poor and in a small business you just cannot afford that. If it keeps going like this I will probably have to sell the shop.

"The problem is Somerset is not advertised correctly. It is all `Dockyard, Dockyard, Dockyard' up here.'' Mrs. Abbott faces a "Catch 22'' situation because she cannot afford to spend money to bring in business.

"I cannot afford to advertise. I also cannot afford to spend $17,000 with other businesses to pay for a dock.'' MR. ROBIN JOELL -- described his meeting with the Premier yesterday as "positive''.