Eco-towns can save the construction industry

The establishment of eco-towns will be the much-needed shot in the arm that the construction industry needs, according to the TUC.

The building industry has been badly affected by the recession with many skilled artisans looking for jobs in construction. 

Last week the Government announced that four eco-towns are to be created as part of Gordon Brown’s vision of a greener UK.  The towns will be located at Rackheath, Whitehill Bordon, Bicester and St Austell.

In creating the urban locations, tens of thousands of carbon neutral homes will be built. 

Construction is set to begin in 2016.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "The new towns will mean more housing and more jobs, both of which are badly needed at the moment. The new developments will be using environmentally sound construction techniques and new, green building skills which can then be used across the whole of the house building industry.

"We hope the development of eco-towns will be the first stage in the process of reviving the UK construction industry."

Eco-towns will put construction industry on the road to recovery, says TUC.