Those present were Chairman Cllr Lambert, Cllrs Summers, Harrison, Pearson and Moseley; also C/Cllr Fitch.

Stephen Macaulay from the Archaeological Unit at Cambridgeshire County Council came to talk to the Parish Council about the management of the Devil's Dyke.

He said that a Lottery bid had been made. If successful, a 99-year project would start in the autumn. In conjunction with English Nature and the Wildlife Trust, County plan to manage the Dyke better - more signs would be put up etc. Erosion (made worse by grazing sheep) would be tackled by putting soil to grass and putting up more gates and fences. In answer to a query Mr Macaulay said that the Dyke belongs to various people (a public and private mixture) e.g. the Jockey Club.

Following a query made last month, Cllr Fitch told councillors that PC Paul Davies is to be replaced when he leaves the area. Sergeant Cakebread from Histon will take over strictly-police matters and a civilian will take over non-police matters. The new PC is apparently keen on the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Cllr Fitch said there was an under-provision of training for the Police Force. 12 recruits are being trained every month rather than the projected 16.

The Fire Service is asking for more recruits to be retained firemen (i.e. part-timers).
There were 558 hoax calls last year to the fire service (up to the end of February 2001). This was part of a consistent decline over the last five years.

Cllr Fitch reported that his personal ambition to see the area served by a cycle/pathway was going well

Teachers are to get a 4.1% pay settlement. This would put pressure on school budgets.

A new bus strategy has been developed. As there is a greatly subsidised service for Reach the Clerk was asked to enquire how much the service was used.

In Cllr Cane's absence Cllr Fitch reported that the District budget had been agreed. There would be a 5% increase in their section of the Council Tax.

Cllr Lambert asked Cllr Fitch why it was that the Police section of the Council Tax had been increased more than the District and what the extra monies were for.

The School had now been officially signed off 'special measures'. Governors were disappointed not to be encouraged by having this acknowledged by County.

It was also agreed that the community in general would play a larger part in children's education in the future with support staff, IT etc. Schools would be encouraging parents to help more.

Cllr Lambert said that the Planning Department at ECDC were not happy with proposed plans for an extension to the village hall; it required a somewhat 'grander' plan.

A suggestion for a community room in the new plans had been well received.

This year's financial statement was 'healthy'.

The Chairman and Clerk had been to Ely for the annual Parish Forum meeting. One point raised was that ECDC were keen to install computers in certain villages in the District - Reach being one of them. A possible venue for the computer and relevant problems/bonuses were discussed.

The 4th option for new political management arrangements had also been discussed.

The Chairman had been to a presentation at ECDC about injuries from accidents on play equipment. He said the play equipment in the Reach play area had to be inspected every week and a logbook kept. Clerk was asked to arrange to meet with Chris Fennell from District at the play area to talk over relevant matters.

Clerk reported that yellow bulbs (the old streetlights) could not be replaced with white ones (as requested by Mr Jordan last month). Mrs Kirkpatrick from The Old Post Office had asked if the light attached to her house could be removed and a replacement light situated further around The Hythe. PC were reluctant to have it removed because of the safety issue. Clerk to discuss with lighting engineer from County.

The proposed installation of deterrent posts at the bottom of The Hythe was also discussed. Steven Hill from Highways had expressed a willingness to install them on the concrete road and to supply at cost price. Clerk to arrange a meeting with him and Cllr Lambert to discuss.

Clerk had written for three quotes for this year's grass cutting. Although Mr Badcock had been unwell he was willing to continue cutting the grass.

It was agreed to donate £35 to the Swaffham Prior Summer Playscheme.

Kate Day, Countryside Services Team Leader from CCC had written endorsing the Government's guidelines requesting path users to keep off farmland until the risk of Foot and Mouth Disease has passed.

An application to erect a shed in the garden of Mr and Mrs Kerry of Fair Green was approved.

The issue of mud on the roads of the village was discussed. Although it was recognised that Reach is a farming community it was agreed that something should be done to improve the situation.