THE Ruby Country Initiative is awaiting a vital decision on funding which could allow the project to begin a new and exciting phase of development. Project leaders were hoping to secure essential funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund by the end of last month after cash for the project?s second phase ran out. However, there is still hope confirmation of the funding will be made early in the New Year. The Ruby Country Initiative was set up to promote the market towns of Hatherleigh and Holsworthy and the surrounding area and to develop green tourism in the locality. The Colours of the Culm Festival and a food safari are among the variety of events organised by Ruby Country, but the organisation is currently on hold while funding is awaited. David Ireland, of Devon Wildlife Trust, which is one of the key partners, said they were keeping their fingers crossed that the cash will be made available soon. Mr Ireland said the Heritage Lottery Fund came back to Ruby Country for more information which delayed things slightly, but it was hoped funding confirmation might be secured early next year. Mr Ireland said the funding would take the Ruby Country Initiative ?up to the next level?. He said: ?We will have a larger team and it will be a three-year project which will be a continuation and expansion of all the work that has been done before. ?It will push the Ruby brand forward and we hope to get things moving early in the new year.?
