A MAP has been unveiled to encourage people to explore the countryside. The parish footpaths information board at Chipping Bridge was unveiled by North East Herts MP Oliver Heald, on behalf of Buckland and Chipping Parish Council on Friday. The board show

A MAP has been unveiled to encourage people to explore the countryside.

The parish footpaths information board at Chipping Bridge was unveiled by North East Herts MP Oliver Heald, on behalf of Buckland and Chipping Parish Council on Friday.

The board shows people where they can walk, ride or cycle. A second map will be placed on the A10 at Buckland.

The map is illustrated by photographs taken by professional photographer Jeff Jones, with text by local historian Phillip Plumb, who gives a brief history of the parish, as well as what people can expect to see when exploring the paths.

The £1,700 project, which was funded by East Herts District Council and Herts County Council's Parish Paths Partnership, is a culmination of two years' hard work by the parish council.

Cllr Jones, who is chairman of Buckland and Chipping Parish Council and who headed the initiative, said: "A lot of people use the footpaths, but are never sure where the paths go.

"The boards will be able to show them the full extent of the footpaths network."

Mr Heald said: "We are very lucky to live in this part of Herts, and I hope the board will make people more aware of the footpaths and encourage them to explore them.

"I have helped launched a couple of similar initiatives in the past - including one in Braughing - and they have been very successful and useful."

Cllr Marion Ling said: "The initiative was Jeff's brainchild.

"It's a good thing to have and shows that we're trying to think about the village and the environment."

Delegates who attended the ceremony on Friday included, district councillor Stan Bull, Buntingford's town clerk Jill Jones, Buntingford town councillor Sanjit Basra, and deputy town mayor Jean Cook.

Residents were also out in support.

Glenys Kenyon of Chipping said: "I love walking my dog here, and I would love to see more people do the same.

"The footpaths are so well-kept they are worth exploring."

Jean Hurry, who has lived in Chipping for the past 50 years, said: "The village has been waiting for something like this for a long time. It will be good for new residents.