Carlisle United's supporters' trust CUOSC have issued a public appeal to Purepay Retail Limited to "urgently" discuss the matter of the Blues' debt.

United owe Purepay some £2.4m, with the club - according to recent accounts - yet to receive assurances that the sum will not be called in over the next 12 months.

The debts were ran up by the Cumbrians as part of a loan facility from Edinburgh Woollen Mill since 2017, with the debt "novated" to Purepay after EWM went into adminstration.

CUOSC, who have 25.4 per cent voting rights in United's Holdings company, have now issued a statement challenging Purepay to address the matter before the end of the season.

They say it is "imperative" the situation is resolved in order to capitalise on the feel-good factor surrounding Paul Simpson's return and the improvement on the pitch.

"We implore Purepay Retail Limited to firstly indicate that they are willing to come to the table to discuss the crucial matter of the debt and secondly, that they do so as a matter of urgency with just over four weeks and six games of the current season remaining," CUOSC said.

The trust, in their latest News & Star column, described the matter of the debt as the major unresolved matter despite otherwise "healthy" accounts filed by the Brunton Park club.

READ MORE: Carlisle United announce profit but also rising debt in latest audited accounts

They said: "Attention must be drawn to note 1.2 [by the club auditors] which refers to material uncertainty, as Purepay Retail Ltd have not, for the first time in the last few years, provided a letter of support for the club going forward.

"Our representative on CUFC Holdings Ltd [Billy Atkinson] can confirm that the Holdings board have repeatedly asked to discuss the issue of the outstanding debt (£2.33m as at these latest set of accounts) and how it can be managed.

"Purepay have disappointingly chosen not to engage or bring the issue to a conclusion.

"As supporters are clearly aware, the club is currently riding high on the crest of a wave with the amazing turnaround in form on the pitch since the return of Paul Simpson to the club.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to Paul for his decision to return to Brunton Park and for the amazing work he has done with the squad since arriving home in Carlisle, guiding us up the League Two table to (almost!) safety.

"However, for this Blue wave to continue beyond the end of the current season, it is imperative that the off-field situation regarding the debt to Purepay Retail Ltd is resolved as soon as possible.

"Fundamentally, a reasonable agreement on the debt between the club and Purepay going forward will:

"Enable on and off pitch planning for next season to take place in earnest and with a significant degree of clarity across the club.

"Allow for the way forward regarding a change of control in ownership of the football club, with no significant obstacles in the way, [and]

"Provide the necessary certain and settled environment for Carlisle United to move forward with both on and off the pitch aims for next season and beyond."

The News & Star has this week invited John Jackson, a director of both CUFC Holdings and Purepay, to comment on the debt situation.

READ MORE: CUOSC: Carlisle United weathered Covid storm well - but debt remains biggest issue