Fence shortage causes panic buying

The UK is being plunged into a fencing crisis as DIY shops report a soaring demand for garden fencing which is not being matched by supply.

Traditional lap fencing panels which typically cost about £15 per unit have suddenly got extremely popular perhaps because spring is the best time to tackle putting up your fence.

Hilary Baker, the chief executive of the Fencing Contractors Association, told the Telegraph: "It's a bit like a bread shortage. Joe Public goes out and buys loads.

"I spoke to one contractor who normally stocks 3,000 panels and now he has none. Someone else drove 60 miles to buy one fencing panel. It is absolutely crazy."

Shortages have been caused by timber suppliers in Scandinavia and Russia diverting their supplies to China and Dubai where they can receive better prices.

There have also been depleted wood supplied due to a wet summer last year and high winds earlier this year causing damage to homes which required wood.


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