The leader of Waltham Forest council has called on English football’s governing bodies to step in and help save Leyton Orient.

Cllr Chris Robbins has written to the Football Association (FA) and English Football League (EFL), asking what the organisations can do to help the debt-ridden O’s survive.

In the letters, Cllr Robbins quizzed the EFL what plans it had in place to ensure Orient are not liquidated and question the FA on potential rules to crack down on rogue club owners.

The leader’s calls follow news players and staff at the Brisbane Road side were not paid last week.

Cllr Robbins said: “Reports Leyton Orient have not been able to pay some of their staff are incredibly worrying, as the situation is now affecting the lives of people who rely on the club to make a living.

“Orient is a well-loved club that is very much part of the East London community.

“I am calling again on the owners to do the right thing by finding a new buyer for the club and ensuring that all of the club’s current financial commitments are met.

“The fans, players, and staff, deserve much better treatment than they are currently receiving, and we are fully behind the efforts being made by Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust (LOFT) to secure a brighter future.”

The club was handed a stay of execution last month after the High Court gave owner Francesco Becchetti ten weeks to pay off debts or sell the club.

The hearing at he Royal Courts of Justice was called over an unpaid tax bill, thought to be in the region of £125,000 to £250,000.

The debt has now been settled. However, the court then heard The O's have several other creditors, including Waltham Forest council.

Mr Becchetti now has until June 12 to either sell the club or pay creditors. If not, Orient risk being liquidated.