TODAY, the Evening Times is calling on all parties involved to get together and ensure the long term future of the historic St Rollox railway works.

The firm’s owners Gemini Rail have announced a 45-day consultation period with the 120 staff which will see them out of work and the yard closed on March 4.

The maintenance facility, known locally affectionately as The Caley, from the days of the Caledonian Railway Works which built locomotives for use all around the world, employing thousands at its height.

Springburn has suffered enormously from industrial decline and can’t afford to lose another source of work and income for the area.

Meetings have taken place between the union representatives, Scottish Government, the owners and local politicians over the last week.

We are calling on all those involved to devise a plan that will see the yard secured and for all, or as many jobs as possible, to be saved.

Glasgow needs work and Springburn and the north east is one of the city’s worst unemployment spots.

Allowing the Caley to shut would not only see 120 workers lose their job and be a blow to the local economy it would shut down a source of work for future generations in an area where opportunities are already scarce.

Gemini Rail seem determined to pull out of the plant despite unions stating they know there is available work it could bid for that can keep it going.

If the firm can extend its consultation period to allow other interested parties to come on board and to allow government to seek alternatives, it should do so.

The Scottish Government has already committed to fund a study into electrification of the line into the yard that would open up new opportunities for maintenance work.

It must pursue all possible avenues including taking ownership to get alternative sources of work into the yard.

Local politicians have been involved in the talks. Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, has been involved talking to unions and the Scottish Government together with Paul Sweeney, Glasgow Labour, North East MP.

Their support for the workers and community is vital and they must put all party differences and rivalries aside to help reach the best deal possible for the workforce and the community.

The union has launched a Rally Roon the Caley campaign and a petition has attracted almost 2000 signatures.

We support the union efforts to keep its members in work and save the yard.

The Caley is part of Springburn’s proud industrial history, still very much part of its present and can and should be part of its future.

That’s why the Evening Times wants every effort possible made by those in power to Save The Caley.