The head of the Aberdeen City Youth Council has resigned following a row over the City Garden Project.

The youth council had issued a statement on Monday opposing the project and supporting the campaign to retain Union Terrace Gardens.

However chairman Sean Press has stepped down after saying he did not agree with the group’s position.

Mr Press also works with Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum (Acsef), which is in favour of the contentious City Garden Project going ahead.

He said: “To stand against the City Garden Project would be to stand in the way of progress, which I don’t feel any young person should do. The City Garden Project is absolutely what our city needs and is integral to encouraging future generations to remain or relocate here.”

A statement from the Aberdeen City Youth Council said: “Sean’s resignation was appropriate considering his links with other organisations.

“These links disagreed with the Youth Council’s official view that the City Gardens Project is an environmental, social and financial gamble. We wish him all the best for the future.”