DESPITE concerns that the UK economy may be slowing down, builders merchants have recorded excellent sales for the three months to June, according to figures released by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).

Sales of building materials through merchants between April and June were up 7.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2000, and were up eight per cent compared to the period January to March 2001.

For the month of June, the sales in 2001 were 6.8 per cent higher than in June 2000.

Lightside products (plumbing and heating materials) showed particularly strong growth with sales up 9.7 per cent for the three months. In contrast, heavyside materials (bricks, blocks, timber) saw sales up only four per cent compared to 2000.

Commenting on the figures, Jeremy Hawksley, BMF director, said: "We believe this growth may be due to builders catching up on work delayed from the winter because of the poor weather and the foot- and-mouth epidemic.

"But the underlying reason probably is the strength of the repair maintenance and improvement sector in both private and public buildings that always is a significant part of a builders merchant's business. Recent forecasts predict continued growth in this sector.

"That said, we cannot rule out a sudden downturn sparked by global recession and a deteriorating UK property market, and so many merchants remain cautious about future prospects."