RESIDENTS living near the Thrall wagon works site have expressed delight that the area's proud railway tradition is likely to be maintained.

Up to 200 rail jobs are set to be created at the Holgate Road complex through a £10 million deal by the newly-formed Holgate Rail Industries Ltd (HRI).

The firm, an associate of NCS Logistics, which supplies support services to Network Rail, is on the brink of securing the site from owners Ashtenne to carry out maintenance on rolling stock.

It is hoped the company will recruit from the local workforce, including former Thrall employees.

Bekki Howson, 21, works as a barmaid at the nearby Fox Inn, Holgate Road.

She said: "The jobs would be definitely good for us.

"We lost a lot of business when Thrall closed down. A lot of the workers who used to come in here were gutted when it shut."

Keith Jackson, 84, of Northcote Avenue, Holgate, said he was cautiously pleased about the news.

"It would be good for the area," he said. "My father worked at the carriageworks - Holgate has always had a great rail tradition.

"Hopefully, those who lost their jobs at Thrall could go back there."

Winifred Lumley, 65, of Wilton Rise, said both her two sons had previously worked at the carriageworks.

"We've all seen a lot of changes at the site," she said.

"It would be great to maintain a rail tradition at the site. I think it's great news."

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Forward confirmed it was in discussion with HRI over the possibility of selling a vital five-acre plot of land, which is needed before a deal can be finalised.

Tony Bennett, City of York Council's assistant director of environment and development, has worked to maintain a rail-related activity on the site since Thrall's closure.

He said: "We're obviously delighted by the interest in the Thrall site. The council is committed to securing its continued use by the rail industry.

"We will continue to work with Holgate Rail Industries to take the proposal forward."

Coun Ann Reid, executive member for planning and transport, said: "This application is the first step towards the possibility of providing high-grade secure employment for over 200 skilled personnel."

Updated: 11:05 Friday, September 19, 2003