SNP call for a public voice is criticised

ONE of Scotland's newest MSPs has sparked outrage by calling for the people of Aberdeen to have the final say on controversial plans for the redevelopment of the city's Union Terrace Gardens.

Kevin Stewart, the former leader of the council's SNP group who is now the MSP for Aberdeen Central, has tabled a motion for the next meeting of the city council in which he is demanding a referendum on plans for the 140 million transformation of the Victorian gardens in the heart of the city.

But opposition councillors condemned the move, claiming the SNP was attempting to wriggle out of taking a decision on the project.

Willie Young, secretary of the Labour group, said the council should show leadership by taking the final decision.

"There is no need for a referendum," he said. "We have been elected as local councillors and one of our duties is to take difficult and hard decisions.

"We can't keep running to the public every time the SNP are in disarray over an issue."