An “invaluable” new bike rack and walkway was unveiled at a car park used by parents dropping off schoolchildren last week.

Conservative MP for Woodford Green, Iain Duncan Smith, was present for the unveiling on Friday (September 18) in Sir James Hawkey Hall’s car park, next to Woodford Green Preparatory School, in Glengall Road.

The project for a new shelter and segregated walkway, funded by Transport for London (TfL) and built by Redbridge council, was organised due to fears the car park was dangerous and that there was no secure facility for pupils’ bikes and scooters.

Headteacher of Woodford Green Prep school, Mr J. Wadge said: “We were delighted that Iain Duncan Smith was able to join us for the opening of Hawkey Hall car park's bike and scooter lock-up.

“This has been kindly organised by Redbridge council and will enable more of our pupils to access school with their bikes and scooters.

“It is an invaluable facility which we aim for pupils to be able to use regularly.

“Ours thanks to Redbridge council for their generosity.”

Mr Duncan Smith, who cut the ribbon to the shelter, said the new facilities would make the car park much safer for pupils.

He said: “The safety of children has long been of great concern to the school with people parking inconsiderately at the pay and display car park.

“The new walkway and shelter has greatly improved the situation and I am pleased that the council has listened to parents who can now feel assured that their children can get to and from school in safety.”

A Redbridge council spokesman said it hoped the new facility will inspire pupils to be more active.

He said: “We hope that this work, combined with our other efforts in the borough, will help to encourage more children to cycle to school and stay active as they now have a place to store their bikes in a secure place.

“The shelter is part of a range of improvements carried out, including a change of layout and an improved pedestrian access link across the public car park to the school gates, separating parents and children who walk and cycle from cars dropping off and collecting children at the start and end of the school day.”