One of the last independent petrol stations in the Western Bay has finally shut up shop after more than 40 years.
Merivale Motors will reopen as a self-service Gull petrol station on Monday.
Yesterday, workers were busy installing eftpos terminals and new fuel pumps as local owners Robin and Pat Forsyth farewelled
their baby.
They have run the Fraser St station and workshop since 1970 - always with a dog in tow.
"We will miss the customers but it's time to go," said Mr Forsyth.
The couple are planning to tour around the South Island in their retirement.
"We have been all around the world but not New Zealand."
Sebastian, their 11-year-old kerry blue terrier, will join them.
Mrs Forsyth said over the years local customers had become like family.
"It's like your local dairy. We know them all. I've known them for years and they know me," said Mrs Forsyth.
"If I have a bad day or a rude customer who's not local, I just see a local face and it's all better."
Mrs Forsyth also became a person who could harbour the secrets of many.
"People would just tell me things which they couldn't tell anyone else," she said.
"People have said 'you could write a book', the things I heard."
Mr Forsyth said the change to a self-service station would be good for the community.
"It's going to be cheaper petrol. It will always be cheaper because there is no one here to serve [the customers].
"Most of the other service stations are doing that anyway but not giving discount for it."
