The newly formed Ruby Country Partnership Ltd, a not-for-profit company with its board formed from Holsworthy Area MCTi and Hatherleigh Area Project have recently, with the agreement of the Ruby Way Action Group, taken on the role of promoting the Ruby Way, writes Christine Williams, our Holsworthy correspondent.
Significant progress is being made towards the completion of the Ruby Way, the off-road multi-use trail from Hatherleigh to Holsworthy. An injection of £500,000 from Devon County Council's sale of Exeter Airport is enabling Devon County Council's Project Mana-ger, Graham Cornish to build two exciting new sections of the route.
The whole section between Hatherleigh and Black Torrington should be completed by the autumn. It is hoped that the Hollacombe to Holsworthy section will also be opened this year.
Coles Mill Viaduct will take two to three years to open, but in the meantime there will be a temporary route around it. No progress having been made with negotiations, it is planned to compulsorily purchase the structure.
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Once these sections are complete there will be only just over 4kms left to assemble between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy. "We are almost there," said Richard Reid of the Ruby Country Partnership, "and then the benefits will really start to flow."
Richard continued: "People who would like to help out can join the Ruby Way Action Group via the Ruby Country Partnership and act as the local eyes and ears of the team. Information, such as planning applications, land for sale or changes of ownership along the route are vital to help get this great route open for all."
The project, when completed, will be a tribute to Des Shadrick who played such an important part in the long term vision of the Ruby Way.
Anyone who would like to assist the Ruby Way Action Group via the Ruby Country Partnership please email Richard Reid at [email protected]">[email protected]