A NEW cheerful map has been created to show the expansion of Cam as well as its popular landmarks, hidden pathways and alleys.

Cam Parish Council recently commissioned illustrator Stephanie Cole to create an updated parish map.

Areas such as the Box Road development and Vale Community Hospital have been included, as well as landmarks like Cam Peak and popular play areas such as Jubilee Playing Field.

It will be displayed in notice boards and at Cam and Dursley Railway Station. 

Meanwhile, printed copies will also be available and will feature on the Cam Parish Council website. 

The parish council says it is hoped the new map will help promote walking within the community and to show how easy it is to get between key locations.

A black and white version of the map has been produced for a community colouring competition which will be rolled out in the Autumn.  

Funding for the project was provided by Stroud District Council’s Walking and Cycling Fund. 

A new map of Cam has been created (Image: Cam Parish Council)

Illustrator Stephanie Cole said when creating the map, she focused on Cam’s wildlife and highlighted green areas for people to discover and enjoy. 

She said: “I'm using it as a lovely opportunity to discover more of what Cam has to offer. 

“If I can help even some residents discover a new park or nature filled walk to make life more enjoyable, mission complete!”

The map also includes all the snicketways which snake through the parish.

The word “snicket” comes from the old English word “snican” or to creep. 

It relates to a narrow pathway or alley leading from one place to another, often with walls or hedges on either side. 

Many of the snicketways are ancient footpaths which are shortcuts from one side of Cam to the other. 

In a joint statement, Cllr Chloe Turner and Cllr Martin Brown from SDC said: “It’s part of SDC’s wider council plan commitment to support and help remove barriers to walking and cycling for our communities. 

“This updated snickets map will no doubt be a great resource for both Cam residents and visitors."

A parish council spokesperson said: “Cam has a plethora of historic snickets linking different areas of the parish. 

“Over the years Cam has seen increasing housing developments add to its community and the number of snicketways has grown. 

“As people join our community it’s important to provide a map to help connect the parish.”

Illustrator Stephanie Cole working on Cam’s new parish map (Image: Cam Parish Council)