Bellway trading blooms in spring

Bellway reported a return to normal spring trading levels yesterday as it posted a 26 per cent hike in interim profits.

The UK's fourth biggest housebuilder said the market stuttered through the autumn of 2010 and the severe December weather hit Christmas reservation levels. Its chairman Howard Dawe said consumer confidence remained fragile, but added "visitors and reservations have returned to the pattern of a traditional spring market".

The positive outlook came as Bellway recorded pre-tax profits of £24m in the half year to 31 January, up from £19m a year ago.