Wickes has suffered as consumers have become more cautious

The company, which bought the Wickes for �950m earlier this year, said the DIY market was patchy and that trading conditions would remain challenging.

Consumers were spending less on large items such as new kitchens, it said.

The company's shares closed down 7.8% at 1638 pence as analysts said profits would be lower than anticipated.

Patchy recovery

In a trading statement, Travis Perkins said like-for-like sales had fallen 0.5% in the first six months of the year.

Trading was particularly weak at Wickes with like-for-like sales at the 957 store chain down almost 5% in the 26 weeks to 26 June.

Whilst we have taken prompt action to reduce costs this will not fully offset the impact of the current trading environment Travis Perkins statement Check Travis Perkins' latest share price

Sales have improved marginally since March, the company said, although the recovery in the DIY market has been slower than expected.

Trading was healthier at the company's building materials, plumbing and heating business, with like-for-like sales up 1.6% over the period.

But the company said it expected overall conditions to remain tough throughout 2005.

"Whilst we have taken prompt action to reduce costs this will not fully offset the impact of the current trading environment and our expectations have been moderated accordingly," it said.

Lower profits

Analysts are now expecting the firm's annual profits to be about 8% lower than previously forecast, although still about �50m higher than last year's �190m figure.

Travis Perkins' shares were down 6.5%, or 115 pence, at 1662p in early afternoon trading.

Housebuilder Kier Group issued a more upbeat trading update on Monday, saying annual profits should be comfortably higher than last year.