Cllr Cane thanked the PC for their support during her break to give birth to her son.

Cllr Cane spoke about the pilot scheme for a 'farmer's market' in Ely which had proved very successful. Although a formal appraisal would have to be done she thought it would probably continue.

Travellers had returned to Reach and were encamped near the Swan Lake barn. Brian Hicks, the traveller's officer from ECDC had been to court to have them moved on. Cllr Robinson then spoke about the travellers. He said that farmers using Swan Lake barn were all paying into a farm assurance scheme and were therefore annoyed to see the premises being used as a toilet by the travellers. He asked Cllr Fitch if a gate could be erected (similar to one at Lode fen) at the entrance to Black Drove to prevent access. Clerk asked to write to CCC about this. Cllr Cane commented that as the council were closing sights there were understandably more travellers looking for somewhere to stop. Cllr Fitch said there was no easy answer, this was an explosive topic and there were no regional arrangements. Although the travellers, by their behaviour, put themselves above the law, the District Council were not able to move the travellers more quickly that the law allows.

Cllr Fitch told the PC that maps for the county had all been digitalised.

A lot of road works were being carried out locally. Cllr Fitch praised David Groom from CCC for his continuing good work in the area. He spoke about the many disruptions road works were causing in Cambridge. This provoked a discussion about bus routes and the Park and Ride site at Newmarket Road.

Cllr Moseley said that the school had sent its annual report to all parents.

Cllr Lambert reported that at the local AGM all officers had stood and had been re-elected, He showed the PC a copy of the end of year accounts. Plans were being drawn up for a disabled toilet in the village hall for which a grant was available. Councillors commented that the front of the hall needed improving. Cllr Lambert said he thought the committee had done exceptionally well with the funds raised. The hall, he said, was a good facility that the village could be proud of..

Cllr Robinson said five people had applied for four of the houses being built at Cage Hill - none of them was from Reach.

PCC funds were down, mainly due to the fall in investment rates for foundations. Consequently Christmas bonuses might well not be as high as in previous years.

The Reach book had been edited and was nearly ready for costing so printers could be contacted for prices.

Clerk reported that James Spragg from CCC, who had written to the PC about the proposed bridleway in the village, was to come to talk to a meeting of interested horse riders.

The register of electors is in the first stage of compilation.

Councillors visited Appletree Cottage in Great Lane to consider a planning application for an extension at the rear of the property. There were no objections.
Councillors asked the Clerk to contact Steven Hill from the highways department about potholes in Burwell Road, and to ask him if he would put up the new sign in Great Lane.

Present Chairman, Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert; Cllrs Summers, Robinson, Harrison and Pearson; also D/Cllr Cane.

In his absence Cllr Cane reported that Cllr Fitch had attended a joint meeting between County and District to discuss the possibility of having speed cameras on the B1102 between Burwell and Lode.

The soil pile dumped at the entrance to Black Drove to deter travellers had been noted by the Rights of Officer. This is illegal and must be removed. Cllr Robinson spoke about the mess left by travellers near his farm and complained about the length of time it took to get a magistrate's order to move them on. Cllr Cane said there had been a significant problem with travellers this year and promised to look into possible ways of registering them. Cllr Robinson thanked Cllr Fitch for his help in the recent past.

Cllr Cane spoke about the forthcoming Parish Forum. This, she said, would have a different format. The forum would be looking at things coming up in the next six months - guests would then choose the agenda for the next meeting.

The farmer's market had been very successful.

Ely High Street will be closed to traffic for a pilot scheme.

ECDC are considering installing computers in certain areas. Cllr Cane asked if there was a need for one in Reach. The short list had been drawn up already but she will consider putting Reach on the long list.

Cllr Cane said a questionnaire was being circulated to ascertain the views of residents and businesses for the coming budget.

Post Offices - the government is still not making any firm decisions about these. Luckily the Swaffham Bulbeck Post Office has been bought and will remain in business.

The school is starting the Autumn term with its full compliment of teachers and pupils.

Cllr Robinson praised the new houses on Cage Hill and spoke of the need for more houses of a similar type. He felt a countrywide seminar of local councils should be held to address the needs of housing locally.

The book is with the designer who will be assessing how many pages it will be. Quotes will then be sought from printers before applying for the grant.

Clerk had spoken to Steven Hill about the potholes in Burwell Road and reminded him about the sign which needs erecting in Great Lane.

The people at Wicken fen concerned with the proposed flooding of the area are going to have meetings for Parish Councils. It was agreed to purchase a memorial seat for Albert Johnson.

The Archaeological Field Unit at CCC had written about the PC's opinion on the management of the Devil's Dyke. It was agreed to ask the Senior Project Officer to come and talk to Councillors.

Planning permission had been granted for an extension at Boutles Barn and Appletree Cottage, both in Great Lane.

Following a letter regarding parking on Fair Green, Councillors agreed that this was not illegal as it is a public highway, providing drivers parked responsibly and did not obstruct driveways. However, should residents have off-road parking facilities, it was preferable that they use them to free up spaces for those who did not.

The street light attached to The Old Post Office is too bright for the resident. The street lighting department at CCC had agreed to try to rectify this. It was mentioned that the light had not been working anyway but no-one had reported it to the Clerk.

Planning applications for 10 Ditchfield and The Manor, Chapel Lane were approved.

Burial ground fees - these were raised by 5%.

Celebrations of 800th anniversary of Reach Charter - the wording for a plaque to mark this was agreed.