Is the eco-town coalition collapsing?

Ok, so Tesco’s announcement that they’re dropping plans to construct an eco-town at Hanley Grange, Cambridgeshire, was couched in diplomatic terms (“We think the proposal had very good prospects of succeeding under the government’s Eco Town initiative”, they said). But it’s hard not to regard their actions as a sign that confidence in eco-towns is dwindling.

After all, as this Government’s stock falls, and as further questions about the towns’ “green” credentials emerge, it’s no longer good PR – or good business – to back the scheme. The Tories recognised that back in June, when they also withdrew their support from it. 

Of course, it’s all a pretty hefty blow for Brown – who might have hoped the eco-towns would be a lasting legacy, however misguided.