Train travellers in Sandbach faced another day of misery today (Wednesday) as strikes gripped the network, crippling rail services.

The car park at Sandbach train station was empty and platforms were free of passengers as commuters found alternative ways of getting to work.

And there is more action planned for Saturday ( October 8th) with Northern still working on a skeleton timetable.

Deserted car park today at Sandbach train station

Rail bosses are urging travellers to only travel on Saturday (October 8th) if absolutely necessary.

A rail spokesperson said: "There is a very limited service on Saturday (October 8th) and customers are advised not to travel.

"Services are also expected to be impacted on Sunday (9th October), especially in the morning, so please check before you travel.

"On October 8th, only travel by rail if necessary and if you do travel, expect severe disruption and plan ahead - especially the first and last trains of the day. 

"Remember to check your entire journey as other train service providers may be affected."

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: "We apologise in advance for the significant disruption and inconvenience this action by the RMT and ASLEF unions will cause to our customers. 

"As we have previously pledged, we will continue to work towards a resolution to this issue with the hope of avoiding more disruptive strikes in the future." 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK. Ordinarily, they would operate nearly 2,000 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.