Villagers near Shrewsbury will be able to use handheld pods to vote on the issues most affecting them.

People living in Bayston Hill will be able to use the technology to vote on future action plans at a local joint committee meeting at the Methodist Church Hall at 7pm on Thursday.

They will be given the pods to vote on what issues should be the priorities for the area.

Committee chairman Councillor Ted Clarke said the results will be used to form a village improvement plan.

This follows the successful parish plan instigated by the parish council and the Community Council for Shropshire.

The project saw a new £18,000 walkway opened to give villagers access to a wildlife walk and pool for disabled people and youngsters in pushchairs open this year.

The pool is used by people of all ages in the village and has an existing wooden bridge running along its middle to allow people to cross and view the wildlife. The path goes from the road at Brookfields across the field, alongside the youth and adult pitches, and over the pool to the other side.

There will also be a discussion about new bus timetables and routes at the meeting, an update from the police about crime and an open question time.

Councillor Clarke said: “I hope plenty of people come along to the meeting as it is a really good way of getting your voice heard.

“As well as discussing important day-to-day issues, it is also a chance to talk about the future of our area by voting on priorities for a new village improvement plan.”

For details about local joint committees, visit the Shropshire Council website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/communityworking