Baltic bosses last night moved to allay concerns of unrest among staff after it was alleged the majority were unhappy with the way they were being treated.

The move came after a source close to Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on Gateshead Quays spoke exclusively to The Journal and claimed more than half of staff had voiced concerns about director Peter Doroshenko's management style.

Yesterday, Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, chairman of Baltic, said there had been a number of departures recently as changes were made at the gallery, but said the alleged unrest was nothing more than a "storm in a teacup".

Unison regional officer Sheila Wilson yesterday said there had been periods of unrest at Baltic in the past and confirmed meetings between staff and management were ongoing, but would be dealt with internally.

Sir Ian added: "We are making substantial changes at Baltic and there have naturally been a few concerns.

"We're changing the whole structure of Baltic from the staff to the restaurant and the shop. Inevitably, when changes are being made and people are leaving there is going to be a little dissent, but we are dealing with it."

This was in sharp contrast to the views of our source, who did not want to be named, but yesterday claimed staff were seeking urgent showdown talks with Mr Doroshenko.

He said: "I know a number of staff have left over the last 12 months and all were unhappy. Two left without jobs to go to.

"This is a pattern that will continue unless something changes."