THE owners of St Rollox Caley railway works have ignored requests to extend their closure consultation and have confirmed the yard will shut with the loss of up to 200 jobs.

Gemini Rail’s board met following the end of the 45-day consultation on Monday and decided to press on with closing down the site which has been operating in the railway industry for more than 160 years.

The Scottish Government and politicians had asked for an extension to allow time for alternative solutions to be investigated, including a rail hub involving other private sector firms and the public sector.

But the bossed have stuck to their original plan of work ceasing in July and the yard closing next year.

Workers at the historic site had launched their Rally Roon the Caley campaign calling for nationalization of the depot and took their campaign to Holyrood to meet the Transport Minister.

In a letter, seen by the Evening Times, Nick Fitzwater, managing director of Gemini Rail, said: “We are fully aware of the important political discussion that has surrounded this proposal and acknowledge the importance of such an historical site to Scotland.

“But I can assure you that every model and idea put forward has been considered and examined in close detail, with the board looking at every possible outcome.

“Unfortunately, due to the fact that we are facing such challenging market conditions and such a steep decline of rolling stock that is core to our work, no idea put forward so far would support the business in the long term or avert substantial losses which threaten the viability of the business.”

Politicians in Glasgow have reacted with anger and dismay at the decision.

Paul Sweeney Glasgow North East Labour MP said the Scottish Government now has to act urgently.

He said: “The Government now needs to broker something. Gemini can’t be kept on board now. “

The MP said: “We need to find a new future for the site and maintain the core workforce.

“We cannot just let it be closed and then become derelict.”

Mr Sweeney said Network Rail could either take on the lease or purchase the site and ScotRail Alliance could use it for light maintenance while other options are explored. And developed.

Bob Doris, Maryhill and Springburn SNP MSP, had called for the firm to extend the consultation period.

He said:” I am deeply disappointed at the Gemini Rail decision to close St Rollox. A downturn in orders should lead to innovation and the repurposing of the site, not shutting up shop and letting down a committed and skilled workforce.

“We must do all we can to ensure this first class workforce are supported. Even at this late stage the Scottish Government must continue to pursue the possibility of a railway hub model to secure an industrial future for the historic Caley site.

“The current tender for the Scotrail class 170 refurbishment, which Gemini have yet to bid for, could offer up to three year’s work for thirty workers. Such a move could kick-start the railway hub model.

Frank McAveety Labour group leader on Glasgow city Council said: “To lose such a part of Springburn’s economic and social history would be equivalent to the loss in mining areas in the 1980’s. It can be sorted if there is political will.”

A spokesman for Gemini Rail said “We would like to underline this is not a decision that has been made lightly and has only come after exploring all options.”