More than 1100 people have signed an online petition to help a young man keep his coffee cart operating in Faulconbridge.
And the owner, Ashley Bookluck, said he has been overwhelmed with messages of support.
The Gazette reported last week that Mr Bookluck had been given 14 days to close his cart, which has been operating inside the Faulconbridge Farm antiques shop on the highway.
Council had decreed that it was no longer a “mobile” cart so was not exempt from planning laws.
The case moved Hazelbrook resident Helen Bellette to start a petition at change.org.
By Friday afternoon, it had attracted 1100 signatures.
Many of those who signed applauded 22-year-old Mr Bookluck’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Michelle Davies from Mt Riverview said she had known him from his time at TAFE.
“He has worked hard to start his own business — surely something can be worked out to support this young person with so much drive and determination.”
Warren Ross from Katoomba wrote: “What do you expect young people to do when there aren’t jobs for them? Go fellows.”
Letitia Kemister from Springwood said: “Small business should be supported in the Blue Mountains, surely there is some way of reaching a conclusion that suits everyone here.
“This council is too often heavy handed in regards to regulations without looking for a resolution that supports the people.”
Council posted on the Gazette’s Facebook page that it had been working with Mr Bookluck and with the Faulconbridge Farm owner, Geoffrey Croft, who has been told he has to provide off-street parking for 12 cars.
A spokeswoman later issued a statement, saying “it has always been council’s priority to work towards a solution with the operators. Our preference has never been to shut the operation down.”
“The major concern for the council in this matter has always been the safety and well-being for the community using this stretch of highway.”
The Faulconbridge pair are trying to see the DA for the site, which is believed to date back to 1985. In the meantime, Mr Bookluck said he had asked for an extension of time to address council’s issues.
“Nothing that we’re doing is wrong. We just want to have a fair go. We want to stop being harassed,” he said.
“Other councils are all so community-minded. They are willing to put in the effort to help these small businesses grow. It’s just impossible here.”
Mr Croft said cars, trucks, even the train drivers were tooting support as they went past.
“They are coming in in droves — it’s been absolutely unbelievable. This morning we had no parking spaces whatsoever.”
The council spokeswoman said because of the traffic safety issues and the significant public interest, a full report will be made at the next council meeting (on Tuesday). The mayor also plans to raise the issue and will seek the help of the Roads and Maritime Service to apply for black spot funding to improve highway safety in the area.
