A NEWPORT green area used as a recreation and play space is to be protected for years to come thanks to a initiative in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Ringland Top, in the Ringland estate, is to be designated as a Queen Elizabeth II Field after a decision by the city council’s cabinet member for human resources and assets Mark Whitcutt.

It means that the council promises not to use the site for any purpose other than a public playing field.

A council report said a request came from residents to have the field dedicated.

Bob Bright, council leader and a Ringland ward councillor for Labour, said: “This is a prestigious title which will ensure this important green space is retained for the enjoyment of Ringland residents in the future.”

Newport will now have two Queen Elizabeth II Fields – Belle Vue Park has already been approved for nomination.

EmmaCorten, also a Labour councillor for Ringland, said: “In Ringland, open spaces mean a lot to the residents. It means it’s somewhere they can get out and get fresh air. It’s something that’s been a long time in coming.”

The council is to make the promises in a deed of dedication with the Fields in Trust charity, which operates the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

Fields in Trust must consent if the council intends to sell the property, but only if the site is replaced with an equivalent or better site.

The challenge is a campaign to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces as a permanent legacy of the Diamond Jubilee.

Ringland Top was part of an area of land that was bought by the council in 1953 as part of the Ringland estate but later became an informal open space.

The legal process can begin following the confirmation of the decision last week and this is expected to take a couple of months.