Tuesday 3rd March

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 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

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