HEATHCOTE & Co have assured their 200-plus staff their jobs are secure despite the ongoing dispute with Bolton Wanderers.

A statement from the football club this morning announced they had instructed lawyers to terminate the catering contract with Special Catering Services/Heathcote & Co, which covers food and drink in the hotel, stadium and hospitality areas.

Paul Heathcote, the Bolton-based chef and a lifelong supporter of the club, has instigated legal action to recover “significant and escalating debt”.

Wanderers allege a number of “recent serious breaches” have led to them seeking legal advice to end the relationship, which has been in place since 2013.

A statement from Mr Heathcote released today read: “The difficulties that my club has been going through both in the past and more recently have been well documented. During all of this time we have always been supportive of the position.

“We find it disappointing and unfortunate that legal advice has been necessary to recover significant and escalating debt.

“This morning following the recent communications we spoke to our team and reassured them that we do not believe there is any grounds for contract termination and their jobs are secure.

“They do a wonderful job, are passionate about their roles and work hard, sometimes under very difficult circumstances.

“There is one simple solution to this issue”

Guests at the Whites Hotel were informed last night that the credit facility had been withdrawn, and that food and drinks must be bought with cash only.

Wanderers do not play a home fixture until August 11, when they entertain Bristol City, but they do play host to two Rugby League Challenge Cup semi-finals back-to-back next Sunday, with a sell-out crowd expected.

The club released their own statement this morning, which confirmed legal action was being taken.

"As you may be aware, Bolton Whites Hotel are currently involved in a dispute with Special Catering Services (SCC/Heathcotes)," it read.

"This dispute has been brought about by a number of recent serious breaches of the agreement by SCC, which they have not rectified.

"The Agreement clearly sets out the procedures in the event of a dispute, but unfortunately SCC chose not to follow these procedures.

"As you may be aware, Bolton Whites Hotel are currently involved in a dispute with Special Catering Services (SCC/Heathcotes)," it read.

"This dispute has been brought about by a number of recent serious breaches of the agreement by SCC, which they have not rectified.

"The Agreement clearly sets out the procedures in the event of a dispute, but unfortunately SCC chose not to follow these procedures.

"Accordingly, following their actions yesterday, which were a further breach of the agreement, we have instructed our lawyers to terminate the agreement.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused our valued clientele and can assure you we are doing everything possible to limit the inconvenience.

"As this dispute is now in the hands of our legal advisors, no further statements will be issued on this matter at this time."