Eagle-eyed rail travellers might have spotted two new things at Sandbach train station.

Firstly a new bike shelter has been installed taking the number of bikes which can be safely stored at the station in Elworth from 16 to 40.

And secondly there's innovative new seating on Platform One, kindly installed by the Friends of Sandbach Station (FOSS).

New bike racks installed at Sandbach station in Elworth

The volunteer group, who meet monthly, worked over two days to install clever Woodblocx seating around the planter which now has a self-watering system.

Funding for the clever seating same from a grant from Northern Rail ad Community Rail Network.

FOSS chairman, John Scarrott: "We're very pleased with how the new wooden seating has turned out.

"It provides extra seating on Platform One and is a nice addition to the station and passengers arriving and departing."

FOSS volunteers installing the new benches (Photo: Friends of Sandbach Station)

Sandbach Nub News told a while back (click link)  https://sandbach.nub.news/news/local-news/kind-couple-who-donated-1950s-sign-to-station-see-it-back-on-track-at-sandbach how a couple has donated an 1950s Sandbach rail sign to the station.

We also told how FOSS  (click here)  https://sandbach.nub.news/news/local-news/sandbach-rail-enthusiasts-ask-readers-to-help-track-down-sign-thought-to-be-in-new-york is still looking for the other side of the sign.

"I was told a while back that the sign was in TGIs in New York but when I Googled I found there are many TGIs in New York which makes it hard to track down," said John

It's a wrap! FOSS volunteers with the finished benches. (Photo: Friends of Sandbach Station)

"I did write to TGIs and got an email back saying they would look into it but I never heard anything else.

 "It would be lovely to find the other half of the sign which we could then put with the one side which we have." 

FOSS is always looking for new volunteers. More details can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1029335150412054?locale=en_GB