Building materials sales fell 23.5% in the first two months of the year

The bad weather at the start of 2010 resulted in a 23.5% fall in sales at materials giant CRH.

Sales in its Northern European products division fell 30% in January and February compared to 2009 levels.

By the end of April the decline eased, but overall European sales were still down 14% for the first four months of 2010.

CRH reported more positive markets in North American but despite an increase in volumes in its materials division, overall sales were down 14% for the first four months of the year.

On a positive note, CRH reported a strong uplift in UK clay brick demand.