Energy needed for DIY

ONE of Grimsby's newest, biggest and most controversial buildings will soon have a new owner.
B&Q owner Kingfisher Group is selling its Peaks Parkway store, though nothing will change, as it will be immediately leased back to them by buyers British Land.
The £20-million development, which opened to much fanfare and some consternation from neighbouring residents in 2002, has been hived off as Kingfisher looks to provide some stability and guaranteed cashflow for what has been described as an "ailing" DIY giant.
Six other stores are going the same way - representing roughly 7 per cent of the company's portfolio.
A great investment for British Land - a stready (though capped) rental income - and huge swathes of land in or near town centres that is unlikely to ever lose value.
But a clear sign of the continued consumer slow down it certainly is.
B&Q said in May that retail profits had slumped in the first quarter of the year to £21.9 million from £73.7 million a year earlier.
Competitors, including Homebase and Wickes, have also felt the pinch spending is slashed due to spiralling fuel costs in the home.
There's no wonder the energy issue has been such a focus. It is clear the need to produce it at a cost that sees a return to prices of two or three years ago is urgently required, to get us dipping into our pockets without fear once again.