No eco towns will make the government's shortlist unless they meet the highest standards, housing minister Margaret Beckett insisted last night.

Beckett has stressed that she was hopeful that up to 10 schemes will make the mark, but has added that if they do not, none would be approved.??Asked whether any of the schemes as they stand now would make the grade, she said that they still all need work to meet the green standards set by government.??The 11 bidders do not have long to get their schemes up to scratch as Beckett is expected to decide the final shortlist in June or July.??Despite the controversy and local animosity that has surrounded the eco town programme; Beckett argued that they were a good way to provide new housing that set a high benchmark for other developments.