Flatts Village could be made more business and tourist-friendly, according to two local business people.

And while planned developments are in the works, they said there were a number of other proposed developments which they were looking forward to.

Bermuda Bell Diving's Bennie Hall said: "People love to be here.'' Mrs. Hall, who also serves as the visitor information representative in the area, said she believed the major thing needed in the area was bathroom facilities for visitors.

She noted that visitors in the area often had to pay the price of admission at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo so they could use the facilities there.

Mrs. Hall said sidewalks were also needed as walking through the village was dangerous because of the heavy traffic and speeders.

Link to Link Jewelry and Metal Studio owner Shane Robinson agreed with Mrs.

Hall.

He said visitors were often afraid to walk around the village because they risked being hit by passing vehicles.

Mr. Robinson noted that the area saw a lot of high speed traffic -- mainly from large trucks.

He said: "They come off the hill near Four-Star (Pizza) and just take it they get to the intersection area.'' Mr. Robinson said he believed that development of the area was needed but added that he was concerned that there was not enough in the village to attract people to it.

He backed an idea to build a boardwalk around Flatts Inlet but noted there were concerns in the area that it could lead to increased crime because thieves could access the rear of stores easily.

A concern shared by both Mrs. Hall and Mr. Robinson was the lack of eateries in the area.

Since the redevelopment of the Palmetto Bay Hotel got under way, there are only two restaurants in the area -- Bouquet Garni Cafe and Four Star Pizza.

Mr. Robinson said: "Nobody wants to be eating pizza all day -- we need something more.'' But despite the drawbacks, he said he believed the area was unique and future developments should draw on.

He praised the idea of the Flatts Village Festival in October. "I liked when they had the village festival -- children drawing in the streets -- that's what a village is like.''