BROMSGROVE Rovers chief executive Pat Bannister says the club will fold unless they get a new seven-year lease for their Victoria Ground home.

The club is waiting for a decision from Bromsgrove Council on the lease, which is tied in with plans to extend the neighbouring Asda store.

However, Rovers face a winding-up order in Liverpool on January 29 to settle an £18,000 Customs and Excise bill -- and Bannister's consortium which is negotiating to take over the club will be unable to pay off the debt unless they are granted the lease.

Bannister said: "The future of the club lies in the council's hands now. It's imperative we get a lease or the club will fold."

The council's corporate director Bob Lewis is due to meet with solicitors acting for Asda today.

Cllr Nick Psirides, leader of Bromsgrove Council, says the club should receive an answer by tomorrow.