A PLEA by bosses at Pill's resource centre for local businesses to pledge to support them has fallen on deaf ears. The North Somerset Times revealed last month how funding to run the centre, at the precinct, runs out at Christmas and, unless further money

A PLEA by bosses at Pill's resource centre for local businesses to pledge to support them has fallen on deaf ears.The North Somerset Times revealed last month how funding to run the centre, at the precinct, runs out at Christmas and, unless further money is found, it will close by the end of March 2008.Staff at the centre wrote to 40 businesses in the village inviting them to a presentation about the work it carries out and asking them to pledge financial support.But despite the appeal, just one business - GSS Architecture based in Ham Green - turned up. Pill Resource Centre project development worker Russ Summers said he was very 'disappointed' at the lack of response from local businesses.Mr Summers said: "We are extremely disappointed that only one business turned up at the event. As a centre we run a number of courses to improve people's skills for the local job's market including food hygiene and IT. The council is already considering closing the library and if the resource centre also shuts, the consequences for the village will be very dire."The centre, which first opened in 2000 in a former bakery shop at the precinct, was initially funded by a Government Single Regeneration Budget grant.When that money ran out the Lottery stepped in to fund the centre, run by charity the Pill Community Foundation, with two separate grants. It has about 5,500 visitors each year and offers a range of services including legal advice sessions, police surgeries and training courses.The Citizens Advice Bureau is also based there and a twice weekly drop in session for local youngsters is also held.Mr Summers said the community foundation now planned to lobby local councillors to get behind them in a bid to secure funding.Mr Summers said: "We are going to carry out applying for funding and working in partnership with local councillors."But if no funding comes forward, the reality is we will have to close."Anyone who wants to help secure the centre's future can contact 01275 375670.