When Sir Richard Branson said he would invest $3bn (£1.5bn) in the alternative energy sector in September 2006, many people dismissed the gesture as another publicity stunt by the Virgin Group founder.

Protesters against eco-towns, about to descend on Westminster, do not represent public opinion, the government will say on Monday. Caroline Flint, housing minister, said research had found “clear support in favour of eco-towns”.

COMPANIES from across North Wales were among the winners of the Business in the Community Wales Awards for Excellence 2008.

Every household in the country will face a £213 rise in their annual energy bills if the UK is to meet European Union emissions targets, according to an Ernst & Young report, which also warns that half of all Britons are not prepared to pay.

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