'It's the perfect storm': Builders run short of paint, screws, hinges, bolts and timber as Covid restrictions and Brexit stockpiling jams UK ports
direct to your inboxBuilders are running short of supplies after a spike in imports due to the Covid-19 pandemic and fears of a no-deal Brexit have led to bottlenecks at UK ports.The Port of Felixstowe has been suffering congestion for weeks, but the problems have now reportedly spread to Southampton’s port.Disruption to shipping movements around the world, partly caused by the pandemic, is also adding to the delays.And it means supplies of things such as screws, door hinges, and timber - and many other materials imported from China and Asia - are running low.Stuart Wilson is the managing director of Prestwich hardware shop Relionus.He said: "It's mainly ironmongery that comes in from China that we can't hold of."It's hinges, pulleys,