Somerset-area businesses, their spokesman said yesterday.

Mr. Robin Joell, chairman of the special docks committee of the Sandys division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said some shops and restaurants near Mangrove Bay are "experiencing serious financial hardship and are threatening to close their doors if something is not done soon.'' A recent survey of about 17 area businesses showed many were in trouble, he said.

Government's failure to build the dock promised eight years ago, combined with large Government investments in Dockyard and the $220,000 Boaz Island Ferry Dock, are the reasons, Mr. Joell said.

A combined ferry dock and public dock at Mangrove Bay is estimated to cost $350,000.

Businesses were upgraded and in some cases started on the strength of Government's promise, but "we have been told repeatedly over the last eight years through Government Ministers that there was no money to build the dock.

"Government cannot expect for this situation to continue unaddressed.'' The docks committee will deliver a new proposal to Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan at a meeting on July 7, Mr. Joell said.

"The docks committee has gone out and banded a group of nine business persons together who have committed themselves to get involved with Government financially, if necessary, to have the ferry dock built without further delay.'' At a meeting eight months ago, Sir John said while funds were not available, "he would commit himself to have the dock built if a creative way could be found to do so,'' Mr. Joell said.

Once built, it is intended the Government ferry would stop at Mangrove Bay instead of Watford Bridge, he said.

The amount the businesses could contribute would have to be negotiated.