Plans for a ferry stop which West End businessmen see as vital for their survival could be on hold indefinitely.

The proposed move of the ferry stop from Watford Bridge to Mangrove Bay has been placed firmly on the Government back-burner after businesses demanded to know what has happened to the plans that they felt could lead to a revitalisation of the area.

Transport Minister Erwin Adderley said there was no provision for funding in this year's budget and indicated that there was no commitment it would be included in any future budget.

But he said he had met with the businessmen and would give any proposals they had due consideration.

Mangrove Bay businessmen have been waiting 16 years for the Watford Bridge ferry terminal to be relocated there in order to give the area an essential push for survival.

But now they have dissolved an action committee set up to lead the bid, and handed the challenge to their two PLP MPs Eugene Cox and Dennis Lister.

A meeting is scheduled for Monday, when the two MPs will meet with the businessmen to discuss the issue.

Last night Eugene Cox said he wanted to see what new developments there were, and as such, did not want to pre-judge the situation.

However, he added: "Mangrove Bay has beautiful swimming for the residents. It is well sheltered and there would have to be guarantees before people agreed to a dock.'' He said any proposal would certainly need the backing of the constituents in the area.

"We would give it the fullest attention.'' The businessmen believe the ferry stop is vital to give the village a much-needed injection of cash -- and to lure some of the visitors away from Dockyard.

The businessmen say they have met with many different ministers and both former Premier Sir. John Swan and current Premier Pamela Gordon over the years -- but to no avail.

They believe a new ferry stop at Mangrove Bay would bring in a catchment area of over 100 houses, and could lead a business revival in a part of the Island that sorely needs a boost.

To facilitate the move the businesses even proposed to fund the building of the dock -- which was originally a Government plan -- themselves.

A statement from the group said they had met with former Premier Sir. John Swan and proposed building the dock, with the Government repaying the loan later, but nothing happened, they said.

They believed the dock would open up the Mangrove Bay area to tourists and locals, providing a vital injection of life into a village that has seen many businesses close in recent years.

Plans included toilets, a shelter for bus and ferry passengers, and a retaining wall so Loyalty beach could still have a useful life.

The statement added: "Premier Pamela Gordon made some significant proposals to do further studies and review other options, but prior studies have already shown that a convenient ferry service is essential in order for the area to survive.'' In previous years several businesses have closed in Somerset village, and the lack of a ferry stop was cited as a possible cause, with passengers bypassing the village for Dockyard.

Erwin Adderley said even if the businessmen proposed funding the dock themselves, the Government still couldn't guarantee any help with the plans.