BURY Council has offered to help get to the bottom of the financial problems facing Bury FC.

The club is due in the High Court tomorrow morning to face a winding-up petition issued by former assistant manager Chris Brass.

Meanwhile, it is understood that staff and players have still not been paid their wages for March.

Earlier today, Bury North MP James Frith wrote to the club's chairman Steve Dale asking him to provide assurances over the club's future.

Now, Bury Council leader Rishi Shori has added his voice to the growing concern, saying: "Reports of the financial challenges facing Bury FC are very concerning.

"The council has always sought to support the club and the excellent work it does in the community. It has previously been club sponsor.

"I have instructed the chief executive to arrange a meeting with the senior officials at Bury FC to understand the true financial position of the club.

"After that we can then assess what support we can offer working with the local community."

Last week, the League Two club issued a statement confirming it was experiencing "internal financial restrictions" and that the matter had been discussed with players and staff.

They vowed to quickly rectify the issues to help the team in their fight for promotion to League One, which has taken a hit following three consecutive defeats.

Bury's Conservative leader James Daly has also called on the council to play "a central role" in a campaign to ensure the club's survival.

He added: "Bury Football Club has existed for more than 100 years and is central to the town's cultural and social history.

"As we all know, the council face financial challenges itself but this should not stop us exploring every opportunity and working with a partner to achieve a goal which is beneficial to everyone within the town.

"The financial position of the club appears to be in an extremely parlous state and my concern is all parties interested in the survival of Bury FC should do everything they can.

"We have not got long to take action."

Bury Football Club have been approached for comment.