Lewes have enlisted the help of their local MP in a bid to stay in business.

The Rooks face a winding-up petition in the High Court tomorrow brought by HM Revenue and Customs.

The club has reduced a tax debt by £60,000 over the last three months but HMRC want the balance of £47,000, or at least another lump payment of £20,000, or they will push for the Rooks to be wound up.

Managing director Martin Elliott yesterday met Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, who has offered to help the club.

Baker has agreed to take up the matter and try to persuade the tax inspector to accept a proposal put forward by the club.

Elliott is trying to avoid going to court and has offered to continue paying off the debt in monthly instalments of £10,000 until it is cleared.

Lewes are hoping the fact that they have cleared more than half the debt in a three-month period and have demonstrated a desire to repay the remainder will be looked on favourably.

Elliott said: “We would like to avoid going to court. We sent an email to HMRC (yesterday morning) and are awaiting a response.

“I also have a meeting with Norman Baker who said he would get in touch with HMRC himself.

“I would like to have some sort of deal on the table before Wednesday.”

The Rooks host Eastleigh in an FA Trophy replay tomorrow with £4,000 prize-money for the winners.