Glastonbury Town Council agreed the change at its annual meeting on Tuesday evening after concerns were raised that some people felt they were not being heard.

The motion was put forward by newly-elected mayor Zoe Price.

She said the issue had been raised by members of the community, including at the annual town meeting.

Cllr Price told councillors that residents sometimes came to public participation but were left unsure where their issue had gone afterwards.

Under the new approach, points raised by the public can be taken to a later full council meeting or to the relevant committee.

That could include topics linked to planning, town centre issues, St Dunstan's House, youth services, council property, events or other areas handled by the town council.

Residents should also receive a response where appropriate.

Councillors also agreed that people asking to speak should be told beforehand whether their issue is something Glastonbury Town Council can deal with.

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If it is not, they may be signposted to Somerset Council, highways, police, health bodies or another relevant organisation.

The council stressed that residents will still be able to speak during public participation, as long as the subject is lawful.

The council clerk said the change would help people understand whether the town council could act, whether a committee should consider the matter, or whether another body was better placed to respond.

The motion was approved unanimously.

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