STAFF at Paisley's BASF chemical factory hope the good news coming from Grangemouth will see attention turn to saving their jobs.

The factory, in Hawkhead Road, is due to close by 2015 with the loss of 140 jobs.

As reported in Thursday's Evening Times, workers were given the grim news at a meeting at the massive site this week.

BASF said the reason for the closure is a lack of global demand for the specific printing chemicals produced there.

While staff and politicians seem to have given up hope that BASF will perform a U-turn, it is hoped that an alternative use for the site can be found.

Renfrewshire Council leader, Labour's Mark Macmillan, said: "I urge the Scottish Government to make the future of the Paisley plant a priority.

"That could involve identifying new investment opportunities or alternative uses for the plant.

"But the main task remains to secure these jobs in Renfrewshire and all options must be pursued as a matter of urgency."

Paisley MSP George Adam agreed that keeping the jobs in Paisley is a priority.

The SNP man said: "I am meeting with management and unions next week to try and seek a way forward and I welcome the fact the Scottish Government is also meeting with the company to discuss options for the site.

"It is important that we remember the families affected by the loss of 141 jobs in Paisley and I will continue to work with the Scottish Government, its agencies, the management and unions to find a positive way forward for the site.

"We need to work together and look at future options for the site and try to retain it for some form of industrial use.

"Paisley has lost enough jobs and this cannot become another story of disappointment."

Scottish Enterprise executives met BASF bosses on Thursday, the Scottish Government said.

A government spokeswoman said: "Representatives from Scottish Enterprise met with the company to discuss all options for the site.

"In the meantime, we have offered support to BASF through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE).

"Through PACE, we will provide a tailored package of support for employees to minimise the time those individuals affected by redundancy are out of work."

Grangemouth owners Ineos and BASF have links in a joint venture which, the government said, has no direct connection to the Paisley plant.