Tuesday 14th July

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration, saving the jobs of 15 employees. SFM Technology Limited has been rescued by Bramley Precision Aerospace Limited, which has acquired the company's assets, goodwill and intellectual property. Bramley says its immediate priorities are to stabilise the business, support existing customers, strengthen supplier relationships and develop new opportunities for future growth.

A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock, leaving two passengers seriously injured. Ryan Lampert, aged 26, appeared at Taunton Crown Court charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury while disqualified from driving. He's due back before the court on September 1st.

A new eco-filter designed to remove harmful agricultural pollution from water has been successfully trialled in Somerset. The technology, invented by Jane Pearce of Wells-based manufacturer Rookwood Operations, captures environmentally damaging phosphates, at very low concentrations. Jane Pearce says it's already making a real difference. Clip

Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight. Essential repairs will take place between 8 pm and 6 am, with the closures repeated on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

And children will be able to travel on buses across Somerset for free throughout August. The government funded scheme runs from the 1st to the 31st of August and aims to make family days out more affordable.