Government figures show that a 1.4% in new work and a small increase in the repair and maintenance sector were behind the industry growth.

The sector’s growth defied a wider drop in the UK’s overall GDP.

Clive Docwra, managing director with construction consultant McBains said the figures released last week were “better than many expected, especially given the overall economic picture”.

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A van filled with a ‘large quantity’ of stolen tools was recovered at a car boot sale in Oxford last week.

A rural crime taskforce found a Luton van with over 200 stolen items at the Kassam Stadium event.

Officers were able to identify some of the tools and return them due to the “meticulous recording of serial numbers by owners”.

Some of the recovered tools date from thefts as far back as 2018.

A female suspect was arrested for selling the tools and is now being investigated. 

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Builders working on a school in Stockton have unearthed an old-World War Two air raid shelter.

The 24-foot-long shelter was discovered when the team were laying pipes as part of a site-wide refurbishment project.

Jason Harrison, site manager with Brims Construction told the local paper that the discovery was a complete surprise.

Teachers suspect there may be a second shelter hidden on site.

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