A century-old cricket club's future is still in doubt after a sponsorship deal to quash a £53,000 tree root claim was rejected by an insurance company's lawyers. 

Chingford Cricket Club, warned its members back in November that the club would close if it was forced to foot the bill "ruthlessly pursued" by Halifax Home Insurers lawyers over a disputed, unsettled claim dating back to 2010.

The grounds in Kimberley Way, are owned by Waltham Forest council and feature 22 protected ancient Oak trees, which date back at least 85 years before the road and subsequent homes were built in the 1950s. 

Lyons Davidson Solicitors were hired to chase the £53,000 bill for tree root damage to an extension built at the back of a couple's garden, four years after the club were first notified of a claim.  

Since 2009, the club has been unable to get insured for tree damage because of known subsidence, which they say they have no control over. 

The club, which once counted Sir Winston Churchill as a patron, told the Guardian it would be forced to close if it had to pay the money, which includes £13,000 in interest. 

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith and Conservative group leader councillor Matt Davis wrote to Halifax in February asking them to offset the crippling debt as a sponsorship deal whereby the club would agree to place advertising around the grounds and on their kit.

This offer has been rejected by Halifax according to a letter from Lyons Davidson Solicitors last month. 

It reads: "Whilst this offer was duly considered, it was felt by our client (Halifax) that this would not help them to help their customers which is a core value at the centre of the business. 

"We must advise therefore that our client does not accept that offer. Our client will only consider financial offers to settle this matter."

To try and resolve the matter "amicably", Halifax have almost halved the bill to £26,700. 

Life vice-president Jeffrey Runciman, said it would be a "disgrace if we were to go down in this way - we are part of Chingford history" with club president Derek Lacey adding, it would still be "impossible" to come up with the money.  

Mr Lacey, continued: "They have made an offer we cannot afford. Every year we make no money and we are struggling to get by."  

Mr Duncan Smith is calling on Halifax Home Insurers to meet with the club. 

He said: "I and Councillor Davis never had any acknowledgement by letter from Halifax since February.  

"I think Halifax should be embarrassed by all of this- the figure is peanuts to them.

“They have displayed pretty shoddy behaviour and appear to be acting in a callous manner.  

"I will make every effort to contact the chief executive and get Halifax to sit down and meet with Chingford Cricket Club."