Phoenix Square should not be bailed out with taxpayers' cash unless the city council's cabinet has full confidence in the board, a senior politician has warned.

Conservative opposition leader Ross Grant said the make-up of the 11-strong management board must be looked at closely before a financial lifeline is approved.

The arts centre needs an immediate bail-out of £250,000 this year and management are awaiting a decision, due on Monday, by the city council's cabinet over extra funding.

He said: "This flagship cultural venue has ran into trouble in less than a year, and board members, as well as management, must expect scrutiny.

"It has already been admitted that big changes have to be made at the Phoenix to make it viable.

"Keeping all of the same faces in charge at the top doesn't instill much confidence that a lot will change.

"Perhaps some members of the board should not be there," added Coun Grant.

Coun Bill Shelton, a current member of the board, said: "We're hoping to make additions to the board.

"We're seeking new membership of the board with the business skills needed to help us succeed."

Eight staff have already been made redundant in an effort to ease the centre's financial crisis. Until now, the arts centre, which has suffered from low ticket sales since it opened last year, had more than 70 staff.

Phoenix board chairman Ted Cassidy said: "The board has acted with clarity and integrity to deal with this situation.

"We've acted quickly to highlight the problem and we're currently working to make sure Phoenix has a successful long-term future."