AN AMMANFORD community is celebrating the success of its three-year battle for a new sports and games area.

Residents of Myddynfych have been told that work will soon begin to create a multi-use games area, or MUGA, on the existing play area, enlarging it and modernising it to the tune of £47,000.

The revamp would include creating a 30 metres by 15 metres games area, fencing it in and resurfacing it as well as adding bins and benches.

The plan has been in the works for three and half years after residents started campaigning for a safe area for the children of Myddynfych and surrounding areas to play ball games.

A public consultation began and residents were asked their views about a preferred design.

Two weeks ago Ammanford Town Council voted unanimously to go ahead with the scheme after they were presented with an 81-signature petition which explained the residents’ support and delight with the proposal.

The scheme will be paid for via community funding that has become available through Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Section 106 sees money made available for areas where housing developments have taken place as part of an agreement between the local authorities and developers.

The MUGA will be maintained by Ammanford Town Council.

One objection was received during the consultation in regard to the size of the MUGA and the potential loss of existing green space.

The resident had also expressed concerns over the appearance of the MUGA and road safety.

County and town councillor Colin Evans has been helping the residents since the beginning and told fellow councillors that it was time for the plan to finally become a reality.

He said: “I’m delighted this is going ahead. It’s a result of a long process and these residents have been waiting nearly four years for a safe place for the children of the area to play in.

“This will be a multi-use area suitable for all ages. Why should children have to travel to find somewhere to play when they can have this purpose-built facility right on their doorstep?

“And it really is time that the people of Myddynfych and Riverway had something done for them.”

Cllr Evans added he was proud of the residents and how hard they had fought for the project.

“I want to thank the residents for their input and their petition and their support, and we can look forward to work beginning in the very near future,” he said.