THE COUNCIL leader has called the situation at Leyton Orient “desperately sad” after the HMRC served it a winding up petition.

The O’s will appear in court next month to hear the judge’s decision, which could kick-start a process of dissolving the business.

A judge’s order could see all Leyton Orient assets sold off, creditors paid off and any remaining assets distributed to the partners or shareholders.

The club and the creditors are to attend High Court on Monday, March 20 where the court will decide, according to the Football League paper, if the O's are likely to pay the £250,000 sum.

If not they risk being liquidated.

Leader of Waltham Forest council, Chris Robbins said: “This is a desperately sad situation on and off the pitch for the club, its fans and our borough as a whole.

“Having been based in Leyton for nearly 100 years, the O’s have become synonymous with Waltham Forest, and are a much-loved and valued local football club.

“And on a personal level, my family and I have been huge fans for decades.

“While we as a community cannot hide our disappointment, we very much hope the owners will be able to face up to their responsibilities and recognise the enormous support the fans give to the players. We all want to see the future of the club safeguarded for everyone involved.

“There is a limit to what the local authority can do, but we will certainly help where we can. We have already met with the Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust and have offered to have meetings with the club’s management.”