The future of Livingston is in serious doubt after West Lothian Council launched legal action to recover the club's rent arrears.

Livingston failed to meet Tuesday night's deadline to meet a shortfall of about £280,000 owed for the hire of their Almondvale Stadium.

The council on Weddnesday morning announced they had run out of patience with the regime, which is headed by Italian Angelo Massone. A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: "Several months ago we agreed a deadline of June 30 with the club's owners, by which we asked them to provide evidence that they can meet all outstanding obligations to the council."

The spokesperson added: "Unfortunately, the club's owners have failed to satisfy the terms of this agreement and we have reluctantly started formal legal procedures.

"We have been flexible, patient and reasonable with regards to the club's plight and have given the club's owners ample opportunity to settle the outstanding issues.

"Supporters can be assured that we have made numerous attempts to work with the club's owners at every stage of the process to help avoid this action.

"However, we have a duty to all residents and businesses in West Lothian to ensure debt is repaid.

"We would like to assure supporters that a secure future for senior football at Livingston remains our priority and we hope this action will ensure the good name of Livingston FC remains intact for generations to come."