The Waikouaiti Coast Community Board is rallying to save fuel services in Waikouaiti.
Board member Gerard Collings yesterday said community representatives were working with the owners of the small town's service station to examine alternative fuel options.
The site was badly damaged last week in a vehicle accident, and owner Greenstone Energy this week announced it would remain closed.
"We've been talking to the site owners, Maurice and Lynda Greer, and we're talking to Greenstone and a number of other providers to discuss models that might or might not work," Mr Collings said.
"While it is early days, we are hopeful of a positive outcome for the community by way of restoration of fuel services, albeit with an alternative provider.
"Hopefully, it won't take long and we'll have fuel services restored in a timely manner. That's the only outcome that's acceptable to the community."
The business provided a vital service to the Waikouaiti community, Mr Collings said.
"We've got a high percentage of retired population here, as well as transitional people who travel through to Dunedin for work.
Other businesses in the area are also reliant on it.
"It had been on the radar of Greenstone for some time, but unfortunately it's happened overnight, so the community has had no time to prepare for it."
The motor repair business Hawksbury Motors Ltd will keep trading at the site.
