The man who stepped in to rescue the problem-hit Priestley Centre from closure today said the historic theatre was winning its fight for survival - but still needed help.

Tom Sandford, who was elected chairman of the board of the historic Priestley Centre for the Arts Ltd last March, added: "Our heads are above water but it's going to be a tight three years."

Mr Sandford was attending a meeting of Bradford councillors tonight which was to consider what more action could be taken to preserve and assist the centre, which faced closure last spring.

Members of the theatre board voted against a proposal to go into liquidation at an emotionally-charged meeting nine months ago. They backed a rescue plan put forward by Mr Sandford, a venue manager elsewhere, and former board member of the centre.

He revealed then he had secured a £40,000 bank loan, and a further £18,000 came in from private donations after the curtain came down at the end of January because of serious financial problems.

Bradford Council's regeneration and culture scrutiny committee was meeting in the Council chamber from 6pm to consider progress. Members of the centre were expected to attend the meeting which is open to the public.

Director of arts, heritage and leisure Jane Glaister said measures had already been taken, including a revamp of the front of the centre, floodlighting, and help in submitting bids for major funding.

But today, committee chairman Councillor Andy Mudd said he believed the Council could help the centre to make major strides by better publicising its events on the authority's website.

He said: "We are looking at what has been done and what could be done. The Priestley is very important to Bradford and we would like to feed in from both the Priestley members and the public because the situation here has been very serious."

Mr Sandford said: "I am very pleased with the report which has gone to the committee which does make it clear that the Priestley is a priority to the local authority's culture strategy.

"We have had a really good autumn season and have been incredibly busy over the last few weeks. Our business plan involves being busy and it must continue."

He said they hoped for great support for the pantomime Dick Whittington, which begins on Thursday and runs until December 23. It will be performed at 7.30pm each night with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday.