YOUNGSTERS at Charlton Down will finally get a brand new place to play.

A three-year fight for a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in the village near Dorchester is over following the agreed transfer of developer’s land to West Dorset District Council.

The MUGA will make it possible for older children to play a range of team sports, including football and basketball.

But younger children will also reap the rewards from the land handover, because a separate playground in the village is due to be extended.

Among those celebrating the news were mum-of-two Sarah Engerran and her sons Matthew, three, and William, one.

She said: “This is great news. It’s been a lengthy, lengthy process.

“There will now be more for older children to do in the village and the younger children will be able to use the extended play park.”

During a recent meeting, members of Charminster Parish Council voted to maintain the land and will use some of its funds to finish off the MUGA.

Parish council chairman Mark Simons said: “It’s been a long saga, but things are now getting in place.

“The people of Charlton Down will get what they deserve.

“There are a lot of young people living in this village and this age group will benefit from these facilities.”

Councillor Sarah East, West Dorset District Council member for the Charlton Down area, said that legal issues caused delays in the handing over of the land.

Work began on the MUGA in September 2006 but was abandoned a month later when developers were told it was in the wrong position.

Building work remained on hold while legal wrangling continued.

Coun East said: “There have been a load of legal shenanigans and it has taken an inordinately long time, but the district council has made huge efforts to speed it up.

“There have been various hiccups along the way, but we are hoping to have a seamless transfer.

“I’m delighted that we’ve come to a successful conclusion. This will be a real asset for the village.”