A COUNCIL has given the go-ahead to transfer the ownership of an outdoor games area designed to secure its long-term future – 11 years after first agreeing to do so.

Ownership of the tennis and basketball outdoor court, known as a MUGA or multi-use games area, will transfer to Raglan Community Council following a decision by Monmouthshire Council’s cabinet.

Councillor Ben Callard, the Labour cabinet member responsible for the council’s properties, described the change, under the council’s community asset transfer policy, as a “great opportunity to secure the long-term future” of the MUGA and the adjoining field.

The county council first agreed in 2015 to transfer ownership of the site to the community council as part of a wider redevelopment plan that included the dilapidated former Raglan school.

A lack of funding, and legal difficulties, meant that plan wasn’t advanced.

But the community council has now developed a business plan to increase use of the play area and improve access to the field.

At present hire of the MUGA is managed by staff at Monmouth Leisure Centre which is eight miles away.

Cllr Callard said: “I welcome the proposal. I know it’s been a long time in the making.”

Conservative opposition leader, Richard John, said he wanted to “pay tribute” to Raglan’s county counillor Penny Jones “who has really championed this proposal.”

Cllr Callard said Cllr Jones “has worked really hard on this and on the as yet unresolved situation of the old Raglan school”.

The community council’s plans include upgrades to flood lighting and boundary fencing as well as biodiversity enhancements.

The business plan states ownership could help the community council secure grant support to develop the pitch and surrounding fields.

Plans for the field could include community orchards and vegetable plots and use of the area by the Raglan Music Festival.

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The community council has estimated operating costs at £13,330 a year, plus £10,750 over three to five years on repairs and works.