Andy Howard

Eight of the 16 units at Locking Farm Industrial Estate in Weston-super-Mare were damaged or destroyed by a grass fire on 18 August. The BT MOT Centre, which had operated at the site for 30 years, was completely destroyed, leaving eight businesses unable to trade and affecting dozens of people. Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of involvement and released under investigation. Site manager Martin Fey expects some buildings to be demolished and estimates rebuilding could take more than a year. Owner John Harvey, who narrowly avoided being at the premises during the fire, is receiving financial support through a local fundraising campaign.

Eight of the 16 units at Locking Farm Industrial Estate in Weston-super-Mare were damaged when a grass fire spread to the site on 18 August. Several businesses, including the BT MOT Centre, were destroyed or left unable to trade, affecting around 30 to 40 people. Site manager Martin Fey expects some buildings will need to be demolished and rebuilt, potentially taking more than a year. Avon and Somerset Police arrested two teenage boys on suspicion of involvement; both were released under investigation. A local fundraising campaign is helping BT MOT Centre owner John Harvey recover after the fire destroyed his premises.