Tuesday 3rd March

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A woman from Ilminster has been jointly charged with another woman after a man’s body was found inside a car in Cornwall. Somerset businesses, involved in the supply chain for Leonardo, have welcomed the news that the Leonardo factory in Yeovil is to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF. Plans have been submitted to build thirty-two homes in Milborne Port... and more

A woman from Ilminster has been jointly charged with another woman after a man’s body was found inside a car in Cornwall. Rosemary Manders, of Upton Lane, in Ilminster, and Dinah Manders from Exeter, are accused of preventing a lawful and decent burial. The charges relate to the discovery of a man’s remains in Helston, Cornwall, in December 2024. The two women have been given bail and will appear before magistrates in Truro on March 26th.

Somerset businesses, involved in the supply chain for Leonardo, have welcomed the news that the Leonardo factory in Yeovil is to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF, after months of waiting for a contract to be signed. Three thousand three hundred jobs at the Yeovil factory have been secured by the deal, which it's hoped will generate 15 billion pounds over the next decade in worldwide orders.

A member of Somerset Council who announced last week that he was switching from the Conservatives to Reform UK has changed his mind. Councillor Alastair Hendry, who represents Highbridge and Burnham South, says he's now decided to re-join the Conservative group on Somerset Council.

A 49-year-old man who died while taking part in a skydive on the Blackdown Hills at the weekend has been described as highly experienced who had completed 10,000 jumps. Skydive South West, who operate out of Dunkeswell Aerodrome, say the man was using his own parachute equipment, doing a wingsuit jump with a friend when he died. An investigation is now underway.

Plans have been submitted to build thirty-two homes in Milborne Port. Land south of Court Lane, described as one of the last undeveloped green fields at the northern edge of the village, has been earmarked for the development. Bracken Developments Ltd says none of the new homes will be affordable, due to viability issues brought about by necessary engineering and drainage work. Somerset Council is expected to decide on the application by the summer.

A road in Chard will be shut to traffic from tomorrow for eight nights. The B3162 Crowshute Link will be closed from 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm until March 11th for resurfacing. Somerset Council says access to properties may be restricted and ask that while the work is being carried out, cars are not parked on the road.

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