SPORT enthusiasts with a passion for football, rugby, basketball, hockey and many more are now able to play all year round after a new multi-use games area was unveiled in Garnant.

The MUGA has been installed on Cwmaman park and was officially opened by Mayor Councillor Shahid Hussain and Deputy Mayor Councillor Kevin Madge.

It cost £110,000 which included a cash injection for £50,000 from WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from money donated by FCC Environment to the Land Communities Fund.

Betws Windfarm Community Benefit Fund has also given £10,000, a further £10,000 from the Welsh Church Fund and the remainder funded by Cwmaman town council.

The work was carried out by Sunshine Playgrounds.

As well as an excellent facility for the local school the Muga is now available to hire out to clubs for games and training. It can be used for a range of sports including football, bowls, netball, hockey, rugby, tennis and cricket, which can play all year round on the all weather surface.

Following the official opening children from Ysgol y Bedol made full use of the facility by taking part in an inter-house sports competition.

Welcoming the new facility Cllr Hussain said that having spoken to members of the community it was clear such a facility was needed in the area.

He added, "I am extremely pleased with the successful development of this excellent facility which will now be available to the community, and will provide a multi-purpose venue capable of accommodating children’s play and competitive sports. The provision of such a facility will help in strengthening the community infrastructure and promote active involvement by all age groups."

Cllr Madge was also pleased to see the facility open.  He said, "I am delighted to be able to see the Muga is now up and running and local schools making use of the facility. 

"Speaking as a county councillor I would like to thank the hard work and commitment of the town council who have made this possible. Cwmaman council is now moving onto other projects, and next on the agenda will be the plans for splash pads." 

Cllr Glynog Davies, Chairman of the Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund added: “The Community Benefit Fund was pleased to be able to support this venture which will provide recreational facilities in the Amman valley. This multi use games area is welcome news for the children and young people of the area.”

Peter Cox, managing director of WREN said: “The MUGA will provide a fantastic space for local people to get access to high quality sporting facilities. We are delighted to support Cwmaman town council with this venture."

To book the Muga you can ring the council's surveyor David Davies on 07971 026493.