THE latest winding-up petition brought against Bury FC has been dismissed at the High Court in London.

The hearing related to an unpaid tax debt of more than £50,000

At the Shakers’ last hearing just before Christmas the Insolvency and Companies Court in London was told an undisclosed debt had been paid and HM Revenue and Customs’ winding up petition was dismissed.

However, the tax authority lodged another petition relating to a £54,000 tax bill.

The authority's barrister told Judge Sally Barber today that the sum had been reduced to £2,486 by the submission of VAT returns and the balance being partially settled.

It was the 12th hearing notched up by Bury Football Club Company Ltd during the last year.

The court reprieve once again staves off the threat of liquidation and the 135-year-old club ceasing to exist but leaves the future of football in the town no clearer.

The Shakers were expelled from the English Football League last August after owner Steve Dale failed to provide financial guarantees and a potential takeover collapsed.

Dale agreed a company voluntary agreement with creditors last July in a bid to reduce debts.

The six-month period to pay back money owed has expired however and it has been reported that Dale has until February 11 to pay £2million or the CVA will be ripped up.

If he fails to come up with the money then around £5miilion owed to creditors including HMRC and former players would be due under the terms of the CVA.

That would leave the Shakers open to further winding-up petitions.

Dale has insisted he is in the process of settling the CVA and is planning for a footballing future with a consortium believed to be negotiating a takeover.

“I am in no talks at this current time with ‘another’ consortium,” he told the Guardian.

“Just finalising saving the club through the CVA and applying to play football next season.”