KEYS to a sports court in Newport locked up for three years may finally be handed over.

The news comes after around 50 children and parents gathered outside Alway Community Centre yesterday afternoon to protest against not being able to get inside, due to a dispute between Newport City Council and Bellway Homes.

The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) was constructed three years ago next to the community centre, but since then organisers say they have only been able to use it once.

A group of people from nearby estates gathered outside it holding banners reading "No kids" as they say only weeds have been allowed inside.

But Bellway Homes say they hope to get the MUGA open by the end of July.

Dave Jones, chairman of the community centre, said: "We have been allowed to use it once in three years, for a fun day. We have got rid of the weeds once but they're coming through again.

"About four times now we have been told it will be handed over and we're still waiting. We have got football teams waiting to come in. Craig Bellamy was going to come and open it three years ago. He has since been to Liverpool and come back."

Debbie Harvey, councillor for Alway, said: "The kids in this estate are not allowed to use it so they're in the road playing."

Problems arose after the financial crisis of 2008, but Bellway say an agreement with the council has now been reached which will allow the court to open.

A Bellway Homes spokesman said: "The multi-use games area forms part of a wider development. We have agreed a schedule of work with Newport Council and we will be on site starting work next Tuesday. We envisage it being completed by the end of July."

Alway councillor John Guy said: "After such a long time, let's hope that this facility will open, most importantly for the children who want to use it."

A spokesman for Newport City Council said: "Newport City Council sympathises with the frustrations of residents. The council is doing what it can and working hard to facilitate the opening of the games area once remedial work has been complete. We are working to ensure this will be as soon as possible."