Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says news that Woodend is getting a signalised crossing at the school will come as a relief to residents after the township turned out for a protest rally last month.

A resident sends a clear message to NZTA at the Rally for Woodend.

“Residents feel their voices have been heard. We have kept up the pressure to bring forward these urgently needed safety improvements, from my community petition to my Rally for Woodend, which saw residents pack out Owen Stalker Park to have their voices heard. This is true community-led action. We did not give up.

“We are proud to have stood together to back Woodend and to support our Woodend community in bringing a signalised crossing over the line so that our families and elderly do not need to run the gauntlet to get to the school and shops.

“The signalised crossing is a great short-term solution that will make our residents feel safer but the bigger issue of increased traffic movements through Woodend remains – and that can only be addressed by a Woodend Bypass,” Doocey said.