THE Ely Standard and our columnist Geoff Griggs have quite literally put Soham on the map this week. Following a wave of complaints from residents and Geoff Griggs about Soham s absence from a number of local maps, we conducted an investigation into the s

THE Ely Standard and our columnist Geoff Griggs have quite literally put Soham on the map this week.

Following a wave of complaints from residents and Geoff Griggs about Soham's absence from a number of local maps, we conducted an investigation into the strange case of "disappearing Soham" - which has already led to the town's inclusion in the phone book.

The proud people of Soham have been particularly irked by the fact that the town has not been included on the maps in BT's phone directories - an issue the communications giant has agreed to address following a call from our office.

A spokesman from BT said: "Having looked at this we would agree that Soham should be included in this map and we will ensure it is included in the next issue of the phone book."

Broad Piece resident Mike Rose welcomed Soham's inclusion on the BT map, but brought it to our attention that the town has not been included on the county council's gritting brochure.

"There are maps showing gritted roads in March, Wisbech, Chatteris, St Ives, Ramsey, Ely etc, but is Soham mentioned in this leaflet?

"Not a hope."

"Soham is one of the largest towns in East Anglia - we've had a lot of new houses and it should appear on every map.

"It's a vibrant town and it certainly hasn't vanished in the eyes of its residents."

Mr Rose said the town's services are the only thing to have "vanished", adding that residents particularly miss the town's police station.

His sentiments were echoed by Soham restaraunteur David Dawkins, who appeared on local radio last week protesting against Soham's marginal status.

"The councils don't want to know us," he said.

"Pariah would be the word I would use - absolutely nothing is done to promote Soham."

The Ely Standard has also approached Tesco about the possibility of changing the map in its Angel Drove, Ely, store (pictured) to also include Soham, and we are asking you to get behind us to have it changed.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?: Help us put Soham on the map by letting us know if the town is absent from a map you've seen. Write a letter or send us an email so we can pass your feedback to the relevant authorities.

Write to: the Ely Standard at 38 Market Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4LS or email: ian.ray@archant.co.uk