Tuesday 26th May

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more

Martock-based agricultural machinery firm SFM Technology has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. The company, founded in 1985 and holders of a Royal Warrant, specialised in machinery for fruit harvesting, as well as equipment used in the aerospace and automotive industries. Companies House records show HMRC issued a winding-up petition against SFM Technology in October, with joint administrators appointed on May 15th.

Household waste bins across Somerset are being emptied earlier than usual this week because of the hot weather. Somerset Council says crews will begin collections from six o’clock each morning to avoid working during the highest temperatures later in the day. Residents are being asked to leave bins out the night before. Due to yesterday’s Bank Holiday, collections are also running one day later than normal this week.

A new sensory room has opened at Reckleford Infants School in Yeovil to support neurodiverse pupils. The space, called “The Cloud”, is designed to help children relax, regulate emotions, and feel supported throughout the school day.

A motorist from Street has been banned from driving for one year after being caught drug driving. Magistrates in Yeovil heard that Darren Scully, of Brooks Road in Street, was seen driving erratically on the A37 at Ilchester. Police said he was almost double the legal drug-drive limit. He was fined seven hundred pounds and ordered to pay additional court costs and a victim surcharge.

Luke Talmage is stepping down as headteacher of Manor Court Community Primary School in Chard after nine years. He’ll leave in the summer to become chief executive of the Educate Together Academy Trust, which oversees schools across the South West.

And congratulations to the scouts of South Petherton Scouts, who are celebrating after winning the Fox Trophy Novice Award. The group completed a two-night, seventeen-mile expedition carrying all their own equipment, cooking meals, and navigating checkpoints using maps.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more