Tuesday 26th May

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more