A new play area and outdoor gym could be in place by next spring if Cockfield Parish Council’s plans come together in time. Councillors first mooted turning a former bowling green into a picnic and play area three years ago, but had to wait for a tenant to vacate the plot. Cllr Singleton said the parish council has a sizeable capital reserve after selling a former civic building, which could be used to buy play equipment. The council installed a CCTV camera system recently to curb vandalism and plans now to replace the seats. Of the petition, Cllr Britton said: “They went about it in the wrong way, to be honest.