The designer charged with creating the interior of the Millennium Dome has resigned, it has emerged.

Stephen Bayley handed in his notice before Christmas after working on the project for six months.

The chief executive of the New Millennium Experience, Jennie Page, accepted his resignation as the project's consultant creative director.

Mr Bayley may continue to work on the �750 million project at Greenwich, in south east London on an ad hoc basis.

Work continues on the Dome

Mr Bayley said: "A great deal has been achieved and it is now appropriate to change our relationship to one of working on a task by task basis.

"I will continue to be a committed enthusiast for the Millennium Experience."

The resignation comes after critics have repeatedly suggested there could be problems deciding what attractions the Dome should contain.

In a statement, Ms Page applauded Mr Bayley's work.

It read: "Stephen has contributed significantly to the process of briefing and bringing into contract the design companies now working on the exhibition attractions within the Dome.

"Stephen has helped to ensure that the Millennium Experience will have the benefit of the very best of British design talent."

The Dome has been dogged with controversy as details of what may or may not eventually be in the Dome have leaked out.

And an all-party committee of MPs warned secrecy surrounding the Dome's exhibits could destroy the project.

The Minister without Portfolio, Peter Mandelson, who has responsibility for the Dome, has just returned from a trip to Disneyworld in Florida to pick up project tips.