Cement shortage not over yet

Concrete product association British Precast has warned the industry that the threat of cement shortages still looms.

The federation's president David Sarti warned that small firms risk temporary halts to production if the shortages continued.

Concerns arose last week when Lafarge Cement gave its customers in the Midlands and the North two days' notice that it would temporarily supply cement on a demand-based allocation.

British Precast chief executive Martin Clarke warned: "Jobs and reputations are now at stake." He said the federation's phones were 'red hot' with calls from concerned members.

A spokesman for Lafarge Cement confirmed the company had introduced "demand management measures" in the Midlands and the North, but said he was confident the measures would be lifted soon.

Suppliers Cemex and Castle Cement both reported no problems supplying customers.