ADMINISTRATORS running the closure-threatened Railcare train repair depot in Glasgow have set a deadline of 2pm today to come up with a rescue plan or lay off workers.

A plan to axe 30 workers at the historic Springburn depot and 155 at its sister factory in Milton Keynes was shelved yesterday ­afternoon after Business Secretary Vince Cable agreed to discuss the situation with administrators.

He faced calls from Labour's MP for Springburn, William Bain, to provide a bridging loan to allow the firm, which has a healthy order book, to continue operating in the hope a buyer comes forward.

The former Caledonian Railway Workshops - now the last remaining heavy rail repair depot in Scotland - employs 108 people. 258 work at Milton Keynes.

Mr Bain said: "I've contacted Vince Cable to ask if the Government can provide assistance to keep the business afloat.

"It has a good order book and a skilled workforce. It is no fault of theirs the company has run into problems. There is interest from potential buyers but the company needs support this week to ensure there is still a business to sell."

The Glasgow factory specialises in repairing rolling stock. Railcare entered administration on Wednesday afternoon after a deal to buy the factory collapsed at the last minute. Workers were not paid their salaries last week as the company exceeded its overdraft.