Cheers for the advice, hopefully should get round on Friday or Saturday to check what's going on there.
Just got the brakes through - these are Shimano BL-M395, looking fresh and the pads are brand new just the way the seller advertised.
Awaiting rest of the bits.
If you need the castle tool to open the fork, Ze Germanz it is: Dr Cannondale got mine there :)
But take the fork out / top cap off with a pin spanner first. Maybe all is well and no need to spend ££ if fork moves ok and grease looks clear.
Do check the fork boot for holes.
Should be a good wee bike, entry level MTBs cost a lot more. Ok fork travel isn't much but unless you really must go nuts you may not need more.
Enjoy it's definitely 2000s should be a good MTB! 1*9 may suit well if you are not planning on climbing steel hills.