THOUSANDS of people from around the world came to York this month to celebrate 200 years of the train. RailFest showcased the very best bygone engines and confirmed our city's position as the home of railway heritage.

But what of the future? It would be shameful if York's timeline of innovation, which stretches back to the first days of steam locomotion, were to hit the buffers now.

The past decade has been grim for our rail manufacturing industry. When ABB pulled the plug on the Holgate Road carriageworks, it seemed more than a century of expertise was to be abandoned.

That is why Thrall's decision to move in was greeted with fanfares and John Prescott oratory. Unhappily the salvation offered by the US-based firm proved to be as enduring as a chocolate Wagon Wheel.

So we greet today's report of a potential new lease of life for the site with only cautious optimism.

Network Rail looks set to base a major maintenance centre at the Holgate Road works. At a time when other traditional York businesses are faltering, most notably Terry's and Norwich Union, a boost for the railway city would be doubly welcome.

Although not the same as building trains, the maintenance role would offer York's many rail engineers a chance to use their skills again. And it would create perhaps 250 new jobs.

The deal would also see a return to nationalised railway employment for the first time since BREL disappeared, with the job security that implies.

Much work remains before Network Rail sets up shop. We urge all the parties involved to help expedite the move, and ensure York's remarkable rail track record remains intact.

Updated: 11:12 Monday, June 21, 2004