A Sandbach resident has launched a petition to get lifts installed at Sandbach station to make it more accessible to all.

Colin Storey, who lives in Elworth, says the station is 'stuck in the past' and he's printed and delivered around 2,000 leaflets urging as many residents as possible to sign the petition.

He has launched the 'Make Sandbach Station Step-free with Lifts to all Platforms' here and he's asking as many people as possible to sign it.

Colin says a Freedom of Information request to Cheshire East Council revealed that there were 721 blue badge holders living within a one mile radius of the station in Elworth.

He said: "Sandbach is growing all the time and this means an influx of young working families who may rely heavily on public transportation for commuting to nearby towns and cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, and even London.

"In light of this, it is crucial that we enhance accessibility at our local train station. Sandbach station, as it stands, is not fully accessible to everyone.

"This lack of step-free access prevents numerous passengers, including those with mobility issues, parents with strollers, and elderly community members, from using the trains comfortably and safely.

"Installing lifts to all platforms at Sandbach Station would significantly improve accessibility, align with inclusivity values, and better serve the growing needs of our community."

Lynda Bradbury, whose offices are nearby, says she's often helped struggling parents and other get up the steps and over the bridge to platform two.

"I saw a couple in their mid 50s struggling with heavy suitcases one day and went to help them. The man had just had an operation and couldn't lift the cases.

"They had got a taxi to the station to catch the train to Manchester Airport and didn't realise there were so many steps to climb.

"I've also helped mums with prams and young children. The steps are dangerous. You see so many people struggling with luggage and prams. It's actually quite dangerous."

The Friends of Sandbach Station (FOSS) are also pushing for lifts to make platform two more accessible.

Christian Shaw Ross, chairman of FOSS, said: "We were recently able to promote the need for action when our Member of Parliament visited one of our working parties at the station.

"The petition is a very welcome addition to our fight for a much needed expansion of the access arrangements at the station."

Sandbach Nub News has contacted Network Rail and Congleton MP, Sarah Russell, for a comment.

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