Sandbach train travellers faced chaos today (Wednesday) as rail strikes ripped through the country.

Platforms were empty and spaces remained clear in station car parks as rail travellers found alternative ways of getting to work and travelling. 

Around 100,000 staff are reported to have walked out as the Rail Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) and (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) unions over jobs and pay.

Signs advising passengers "Do Not Travel" were clear at a deserted Sandbach station today (Wednesday).

And rail travellers are being advised that services are also likely to be disrupted tomorrow (July 28th) due to fleet displacement across the network.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at North Rail, said: "We've taken on board learnings from the previous RMT strikes last month and have done everything we can to offer a skeleton service on the parts of our network where we're able to - but our advice remains not to travel.

Deserted platform at Sandbach Station today

"The timetable we have put in place has been agreed with Network Rail, who have had to consider the requirements of other train operators and freight services on the network.

"We apologise in advance for the disruption and inconvenience that the RMT's industrial action will cause.

Not a car in the car park at Sandbach Station today.

"Services are also likely to be disrupted on Thursday, July 28th given the impact of the strike on fleet displacement across our 550-station network. Customers should check online before they travel.

"We continue to be keen to speak to the RMT to find a resolution and avoid any future strikes."