Those present were Chairman Cllr Lambert, Vice/Chairman Cllr Robinson, Cllrs Aves, Summers, Harrison and Moseley; also C/Cllr Fitch and D/Cllr Cane.

Cllr Fitch told councillors that PC Paul Davies was leaving the area. He may be replaced by a contract police officer from Histon. Cllr Fitch commented that although the telephone was answered promptly when the police were phoned there was a tendency to be left 'hanging on' for some time before being put through to the correct department. Cllr Robinson pointed out that there is a special number to call when reporting hare coursers.

County have £371 million available to spend for the coming year. The Council Tax demand for a band D property is likely to go up by 8% to £668. Cllr Fitch pointed out that Cambridgeshire is the third lowest cost-wise for Council Tax and this is unlikely to change.

County have elected to have a Leader/Cabinet structure unlike ECDC, although this would depend on the party state at the next General Election.

Consultation for the next Structure Plan is already underway.

The Chief Fire Officer, Alan Gray is retiring. He is to be replaced by Tom Carroll who is moving back to the County to take up the post. Cllr Fitch said this showed the high reputation of Cambridgeshire Fire Service.

The Fordham by-pass and the Millennium cycleway are under construction. Cllr Fitch said the cycleway was not progressing as fast as the committee would have liked.

The road between Springhall Farm and Bill Pedley's is to be re-surfaced in the near future.

80% of the responsibility of schools was now down to the school itself. The involvement of the LEA would soon be 'whittled' down to 10%. Cllr Moseley commented that 'governors are doing all the work'.

Queen's Court at Bottisham was to join Hereward Housing but will come under the name 'Methodist homes for the aged'. It will be updated.

The new surgery at Bottisham was under construction. It will include a dental facility.

The CCC has been given £12 million to link schools with the internet.

As it was thought an important issue Cllr Fitch was asked if he could confirm that PC Davies would be replaced.

Cllr Cane thanked the PC for inviting her to the unveiling of the Reach Fair plaque, which she said had been an enjoyable occasion. She asked the Clerk if there had been any comment from the Conservation Officer about the fact that planning permission had not been sought before the plaque had been put up.

ECDC are looking into the lack of funding for district sports facilities. The council has put aside £36,000 to help towards sports development. In return sports clubs have to show good business plans and a variety of choices, rather than competing against one another.

The register of electors will now be up-dated each month. Parish Councils can elect to have the final register in either December or February.

Three school governors had reviewed the Head's 'performance management'.

Staff are to be trained in use of the internet.

The final pupil roll did not reach the target for the next financial band.

Councillors discussed the proposed plans to close off certain roads on Reach Fair Day. They had no objection.

The new housing scheme financed by the PCC was to have its official opening.

Stephen Haydon (acting tree officer for ECDC) had arranged to meet the Clerk to discuss damage done to two trees in the village, and the care of trees generally.

Steven Hill from Highways had agreed to re-surface the minor road running down from Great Lane to the byway.

David Groom, Divisional Maintenance Engineer for CCC East Highways Division had written to confirm the construction of a new kerb and haunch in Burwell Road (opposite no 21).

The Road Safety Officer at County had send posters highlighting the seatbelt campaign.

Mrs Evelyn Knowles, Mayor of Cambridge and her assistant Sue Edwards had both written thanking the PC for their 'wonderful welcome and general hospitality' when they visited the village to unveil the octocentenary plaque.

The Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch had written asking if the PC would like to become a member. Councillors are to consider.

The Home Energy Conservation Officer from ECDC, Niki Davis, had written offering to come and talk to interested groups. Councillors were concerned that she might not want come to talk to such a small audience.

Clerk to follow up.

An application to amend plans for Appletree Cottage, Great Lane, was approved.

Cllr Summers asked if planning permission had been sought for a double garage in Ditchfield.

Cllr Robinson had made enquiries regarding the cost of posts at the bottom of The Hythe. Three posts were likely to cost about £600. Cllr Robinson proposed that installation of the posts should be carried out at some point; he was seconded by Cllr Summers. Clerk to enquire if there is a grant which could cover the cost and whether Steven Hill would install them.

Grahame Miller and Cllr Lambert had met Ian Hirst from the Environment Agency to discuss possible moorings on The Hythe for visiting boats for Reach Fair. It was agreed to let Grahame be responsible for this. Clerk to enquire about grants.

Clerk to get three quotes for this year's grass cutting.

It was agreed to transfer the millennium fund bank account into the current account.

Cllr Aves requested that a salt bin be provided on Swan Corner.

Cllr Lambert asked Councillors if they would like to make a 'wish list' of things they would like to see in Reach in the future.

Tony Jordan asked if the yellow light bulbs in lights at the bottom of Fair Green would be changed to white (to fit in with the new lights). He also requested the use of the village hall for the village hall committee at the end of Reach Fair Day. Cllr Harrison thought this might not be possible.