Having avoided this MSA for sometime, I was forced to stop for a toilet break.

It was 2am and very quiet, the Gents toilets weren't too bad I suppose, however, having washed my hands went to use the hand dryer, pressed the bottom and the unit detached itself from the wall. Thankfully it didn't seem to be connected at the electricity supply but the consequences if it had don't bear thinking about. It's time the site was closed and re-developed.

Gary Farrimond, 12 February 2012

14th January 2012 -We had arranged to connect with our daughter at Sandback for a meal as we had not seen her since before Christmas. First of all we entered the lorry park due to bad signage. Then we found the car park and waited a few minutes for our daughter to arrive. She had driven from Lancaster and we had driven from Isle of Wight (but were staying with friends in Birmingham). There were hardly any cars. The restaurant was very quiet. We were not able to have our requested meals as they did not have enough food!
We realised we were a bit longer than the allocated parking time but on asking the restaurant staff they assured us we would be fine. Today 25th January - we received a parking ticket for overstaying. I certainly will not be recommending Sandbacks to anyone and will use other services when I am next on the M6

S Snell, 25 January 2012

There are lots Tv, watch sellers says that need money and sell broken TVs. Please be aware. Notice to police.

Raj, 17 January 2012

The service station has no baby food jars !! The ones we had Were broken hence the need to buy one. Also my partner and I got a Burger King which I have to say was disgusting, the burgers had been reheated several times, the taste was not like any burger I have had before !!! Just awful ! The chips were not cooked properly !! Hence it was not eaten !! And we were to far down the M6 to return it. Dnot visit wait until the next service station !! This was Jan 2nd 2012 at 1pm. There was no year selection below for 2012.

Nicola Mcphee, 2 January 2012

I visited your services last night (21/09/2011). It was dark, it was raining. I was totally lost on arrival to your northbound parking area. Poor lighting and invisible road markings. I was another that ended up in the lorry park and then found I had parked in the traffic lane instead of a parking space.
Heaven help foreign visitors.

Once I had found the entrance to the building, which was not totally obvious, I found the first sign for the toilets partially obscured by a vending machine? I have to say that the toilet area itself was clean and pleasant.

Roger, 22 September 2011

Having previously stopped at the Moto Services at Lancaster and found the Ladies loos totally inadequate in terms of standing room within the tiny cubicle when the door is being opened or shut, I was delighted to find your architect(s) had really understood the need for a mother and child, a pregnant woman, and elderly, arthritic person, or someone slightly larger than average, actually needing to be able to open or close the door without contortions! Thank you; I shall use your service station again. Do all Road Chef's services have similar, user friendly cubicles; if so, I know which services to look out for and recommend. (I would appreciate a reply via my e-mail address please.)

Desperate for the loo!, 15 September 2011

(Southbound)
Parking direction sign - obscured by bushes
Direction signs painted on the road - worn out to invisibility
So my little car ended up in the lorry park - looking very small.

AND almost swallowed up by the "tank trap" hole all across the exit road

The place is worn out - try some where else!

touluru, 3 June 2011

called in the Southbound at 7am expecting to be in and out as soon as possible, but what a pleasant sight set before my eyes, Shop open restaurant and Costa coffee both open looking fresh and clean (is the Costa new) and well stocked of food, great choice, even the toilets where clean. Decided because it looked so good I decided to have a coffee and relax, Staff great all working not dossing and really attentive. Very Impressed

Dosser666, 3 December 2010

The ladies of Sandbach Costa always look after me well on my weekly trips down to Birmingham. And I'm not the only one who thinks so! Well done. Service with a smile. Thanks.

bryan walsh, 15 October 2010

I parked here recently (over 2 hours) and got a parking charge notice through the post for £50 (if paid within 14 days). I tried to pay this online and it failed twice. I then decided to search online and discovered that the CP Parking mob are actually scammers (check out the good ole website money saving expert, there's a great thread on there!). I now have to cancel my card in case these thieves clear out my account. I will never stop here again - nor at any other related service station. This should be illegal - I am encouraging my friends to vote with their feet (or in this case their wheels) and spend their money at other petrol stations. I think this kind of protest is the only way to stop service stations like this from dealing with companies who are not operating within the law and basically scamming people. I hope this information proves useful to at least one more person.

Disgruntled By ScamParkingCharges, 3 October 2010

i recently used this service station,and only stopped for a toillet break and a cup of tea.i was a little disappointed they only do mugs of tea and not cups but the jam muffin i had more than made up for it,it looked and tasted OUT OF THIS WORLD.its worth stopping at the service station just to try 1 of there muffins 10/10.

victoria buck, 29 September 2010

We were travelling down the M6 towing a caravan and wanted to stop at the Sandbach services. However, we soon found ourselves at the exit of the service area having failed to find any area for caravans. We only found one sign which was for caravans and heavy goods vehicles but we never saw another sign that related to caravans, only heavy goods vehicles. Fortunately on this occasion we were not desperate to use the facilities and we were not too tired and so we were able to travel on to the next services at Keele. We think this is a serious safety issue as it is important that people have adequate stops whilst driving on motorways and if the areas in which people have to go are not clearly marked others may well end up doing what we had to do and drive on in a tired state. Please make your signs for caravans much clearer and bolder.

Disgruntled caravaner, 23 September 2010

Very pleased with this service station, its always clean and the staff are always friendly no matter what time of the day or night we visit. The quality of the food is excellent, and its good value for money. When ever we travel through that part of the M6 we always use Sandbach, never Knutsford or Charnock Richard services. Overall I rate Sandbach 8 out of 10.

Ronnie Biggs, 13 August 2010

In the many years I have been travelling around the UK in the course of my work, I have NEVER encountered a more disgusting motorway service station. The stench of stale urine from the toilets is enough to make you heave..

Gary Hardman, 25 July 2010

I too have encountered the pot hole on the exit to these services. The result is a bill for £125 for a new tyre due to sidewall damage.Didn't know about damage until I arrived home as no puncture. Could have been a nasty accident with all the family in the car. Not happy ! I have taken photo's and am going to take it further.

Andrew Holding, 7 June 2010

travelling northbound on the M6 i decided to pop in to sandbach services for a snack and a coffee at approx 13.40 on the 1/6/2010, on leaving the services through a torrent of HGV's i had the misfortune to drive into what i can only describe as a hole in the exit route just before the filling station part of the services , this subsequently lead to me having a punctured off side rear tyre which i had to change on the next turn off which i only just made it to, I aint bothered about the disruption to my journey , but more concerned about the £75.00 cost of the tyre. the hole or gap in the road in question was the cause of the puncture , and i am surprised that it didn't puncture all of my tyres , such was the severity of the clatter as i crossed the what i believe to be a very dangerous hazard !!!!! i believe i should be re-embersed for the price of the tyre and the hazard needs to be righted or atleast barriered off until it can be fixed ,,,,,i have a receipt with dates and times of my visit and a receipt for my tyre ,,,,please advise me on what would happen next please as i am prepared to take it further if needs be !!!!!

joseph vernon pringle, 6 June 2010

i work here its awesome! and we are very very polite!! don't listen to these obsessive comments, no more clampers!!

rubicon, 21 May 2010

i recently stopped at sandbach sevice station and had the best cooked breakfast of my life,i thought no one could cook bacon and eggs like my mother but the cook there in the roadchef restaurant(north)proved me wrong.thank you sandbach and thank you jude(cook)for making my stop VERY VERY enjoyable

david scott, 20 May 2010

I feel the need to complain about the toilet facilities in the southbound services. These facilities have no hot water. There has been no hot water for approximately a month now. As a truck driver having to park up for the night, at an outragious rate, the least you can do is provide HOT water.

Dave Wright, 26 April 2010

The following is an email I sent to CPS Enforcement. To Whom it may concern.I wish to lodge this appeal on the grounds of denying me my human rights to use the toilets in a public Service Area.
On the 1.4.2010 at 6.38 I had to stop at Sandbach Services M6 Northbound to use the toilet facility.
On finding the lorry park full it became necessary to use the Coach Park. Ensuring the Coach Park was safe to park in and free from the general public, coupled with the severity of my need to use the toilet, I parked there for 7mins.
I find the hasty action of your employees the reason for my appeal.Therefore taking into account the reason for me stopping at the location mentioned I respectfully ask for the reimbursment of £255 paid.
I would also add that I have sent a Copy of this email to the TSI
Yours respectfully
Martin Kemp
This I expect you will no doubt be aware has been rejected. If this is the type of service that a lorry driver can expect from your services, Then I feel it only fair to inform you that I will be taking this matter further, If that means Solicitors then so be it.
Like the comments you have received before about the use of you faclities I will never use them again.

Martin Kemp, 8 April 2010

I had cause to have to use your service area at sandbach on the morning of 3rd of march. I drive an hgv and the m6 was completely closed due to an accident. having a very high trailer like many other drivers i had no choice but to pull up and wait for the road to reopen.Upon arrival the truck park was completely full up so i had to use the coach parking area i simply had no choice. after a mere 25 mins your wheel clamping crew turned up and gave myself and everyone els a stark choice of getting out or face a 250 pound fine for release. at least 3 trucks were clamped in there drivers absence. I found this over zealous behaviour by your clamping team outrageous.wether they are a private firm or operated by you they still represent your company. Put bluntly i had no choice but to drive 3 to 4 miles up the m6 and park on the hard shoulder.Please excuse my grammar im a wagon driver and not a scholar , i look forward to your comments

adrian cox , 3 March 2010

stopped at sandbach for a 5 min toilet break when i retured to my truck it had been clamped... it cost 250 pounds for a 5 min break.. i think your service are total rubish and will never stop there again

christopher fell, 18 February 2010

Clamped!! cost £240 to remove for parking a 4m van in a coach bay? they told me i should of parked in the car park although my van took up 2 car spaces in a busy car park, and the so called coach car park was empty? only stopped for a drink will never use there services again, avoid at all costs. LM.

Lee Mullin, 16 February 2010

Travelling south from Cumbria on one of those very delayed M6 days.
It was a nightmare.
Knutsford was queuing out onto the slip and inside lane.
Stopped at Sandback.
Had a great meal of freshly cooked fish and chips and mushy peas.
Very reasonable price.
Staff were friendly, helpful and cheerful.
Will stop off here again.

G MURRAY, 30 December 2009

Does anyone have a photo of the Coach Parking ONLY sign at Sandbach. I'm taking Roach Chef and CPS Northern (the clampers) to court and need a photo of the sign. Thanks beth@leopardskinbunny.com

Beth Duncan, 3 December 2009

What is it with the majority of the MSA on the M6 in Cheshire/Staffordshire?

Poor facilities, dilapdated buildings and parking charges that are modern day highway robbery. Stopped here the other night the first time in about 5 years and I doubt I will stop here again. I have said before night time travellers appear to be an after thought for some operators and this is the case here.

Parking charges seem to be a persistant problem across the motorway network but here its menacing and I can't help wondering if the 'Tiredness can kill' road signs have been taken by some MSA operators as a license to print money and to hell with public safety

Gary Farrimond, 23 October 2009

We have been temporarily in a position to take advantage of the shower facilities numerous times during the last fortnight. We were aware that other Motorway Services operate token systems but this shower service is free (although we were prepared to offer payment). The doors to the female showers (North and South bound) are permanently locked (it would be helpful if all the staff are aware of this fact). However, once the housekeeping staff know you are there they are really accommodating (particular Jim) and you feel comfortable. We used the showers on both sides and they are basic but free. We preferred the South side showers as the temperature is comfortably hot and there is more room. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for all their help.

Olivia and Leo, 23 October 2009

an absolute disgrace for the fraternity off road users this place should be renamed botulism for free or clamping cost a fortune

Ray Burns, 14 October 2009

Have been on the M6 in the past few days was thinking about stopping past Sandbach to see if anything has improved but thought better of it, I drove straight through.

I have been presented with a wee problem, I drive an IVECO long wheel base van. I'm not allowed to park in the car park cause I'm not a car, I can't park with the caravans, I'm not allowed to park in the coach park as I'm not a coach and I'm now being told I'm not allowed to park in the truck park cause I'm not a truck. It's official these people are STUPID, I am likely to clamped wherever I park, they have just alienated a big percentage of their possible clientel. All this for the sake of a pee.

Come on guys lets pull your socks up, even your staff complain about how bad the services are at this place.

!!!!!!!WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU!!!!!!!!!

If anyone does have an idea where I can park a van without getting clamped I would be greatly appreciative.

Letters on a Postcard!!!

No shaking water bottles, I think I'd cry!!!

Raymond Burns, 14 October 2009

Was very nearly clamped at the service station, now I WAS LEGALLY PARKED, I left my vehicle to go to get a cuppa and came back just as the vultures started circling. Fortunately he never got a chance to clamp me, but 2 trucks behind me did get caught. This is OUTRAGEOUS! I thought this was a rest stop, apparently the service station allows this to happen!!!
To all our Trucking friends it is worth our while to avoid this stop as it may end up costing you £250.
Spread the word!!!

Raymond Burns, 24 September 2009

Awful, truly awful, made the mistake of stopping there after round trip to Heathrow picking up visitors, terrible food, terrible staff and disgusting toilets, found myself apologising to visitos.

PussPuss, 27 August 2009

In reference to the below comments about parking: The services are right to fine you for illegal parking!! A coach park is for COACHES. All the below cases highlight laziness of truck /van drivers. Not a services issue.

Ian, 24 July 2009

One of my Drivers was clamped whilst using the toilet facilities at this service station. Actually forgive me it is not a Service Station because there is no service. He was unable to park in the Lorry Park and as there was only one Coach in the Coach Park he left his lorry there while he went to use the toilets. He was only gone a maximum of two minutes and was back at his lorry before the clampers had started puting the chains on the vehicle. They still continued to place the chains on the lorry even though the driver was standing there. A fine of £255 was imposed immediately and all because a Driver had to answer the call of nature. When I rang the Station to complain I was told that the Moto Station down the road would not accept any HGV's at all so why are these people granted licences in the first place and where do the Drivers have to go to answer the call of nature.I think someone ought to ask questions on who is profiting from the Clampers?

sonia coleman, 22 July 2009

I was on my way on holiday to Leeds (also on July 7th) and pulled into this services for a COSTA coffee (5 mins). I was driving a long wheel based VW van which would not fit in the car parking bays. These thugs demanded £255 to release my van so I could be on my way. I have tried to appeal - but in the small print it says you have to appeal in 7 days (I was on holiday for 10 days and only realised when I got back). DO NOT USE THESE SERVICES

Beth Duncan, 21 July 2009

NEVER USE THESE SERVICES. Car park states cars only so i parked my van in the larger bays next to it. i was gone 2mins (toilet stop) and when i returned id been clamped. The clampers were back within 20seconds to collect there £255. cars were parked in the coach bay but were totally ignored by the clampers who stated they only clamp vans. It was 7am.

Andy, 8 July 2009

I also used these services on 2nd July 2009, driving a 6.7m van. I parked in the coach park (Lorry Park full)and was clamped by CPS the release fee was £255, I was parked for approx 10 mins. Be Warned! Don't use these services.

Peter Connolly, 5 July 2009

In reply to Kev Haynes:
We have contacted Granada T.V and hopefully they will expose this as entrapment and extortion by Roadchefs contractors.

national brands furniture @ aintree & cambridge, 3 July 2009

car park states cars only our driver in a transit van stopped in a coach bay being watched all the time by CPS staff (firm contracted by Road Chef to clamp vehicles and extort £250)they said nothing to him and he walked across the car park ,but was concerned about them hovering by the vehicle and returned to find they were clamping it. None of our staff or haulage contractors will use Roadchef services in future.

national brands, 2 July 2009

the clampers cost me £250 today,caravans obscure signs for coach park ,campers,trailers and caravans are allowed to use this park but not normal vans!!!! just called in for a quick pee and got clamped,i,ll never use a service station again,ridiculous!

mark jones, 24 June 2009

Please be warned. Wheel clampers charged me for parking on the coach park in a van. Cost me £250 to release it!!! The Main car states Cars only!!!

Kev H, 18 June 2009

I visited around 9.30 on Sunday evening, and paid almost £20 at Costa for panini and coffee for my wife and I. Staff refused to give us plates, because they were "closed", though no indication of this had been given as they took our order. We sat down to eat, and the lights were turned out, and we were asked to leave and eat outside. I don't blame the individual staff on duty, because this is a system problem, but I shalln't stop there again

Peter Collis, 31 May 2009

I used the shower in the female toilets at 1800 hours on a week day recently and the water was scalding hot. I asked the cleaner about sorting it out and he told me that it couldnt be changed, it was a pre-agreed temperature set high to 'kill bacteria, at 65 degrees farenheit'. I asked what that was in centigrade as I have a rough idea that it shouldnt be much higher than body temp, 37 degees C. He replied he didnt know. After checking the conversion, I see that 65 fahrenheit is wrong as it would have made it too cold at about 18 degrees C. If he meant 65 Centigrade, thats way too hot, and Im impressed I didnt melt and die a slow death. I have summised he was talking out of his arse, and recommend anyone wanting a shower ther avoid it as it'll probably either be unbearably hot or as a previous comment says, freezing cold!

anonymous coward, 15 April 2009

CREDIT CARD FRAUD - I had my details stolen at Sandbach - they filmed me entering mt pin at the cash point when the till would not accept cards.

Anonymous, 9 January 2009

Stopped at these services on the 28th June 2008.
Can someone please tell me how they can justify charging £1.75 for a mug of tea. All it consisted of was one teabag in boiling water. I know that the services have overheads, but this is rediculous. I wouldn't pay £3.75 for a pack of sandwiches either.

Edith, 30 June 2008

I visited Sandbach services at approx 11pm on Sat 10th May on the Northbound side, but the building was locked. Other travellers told me that you had to use the toilets on the southbound side, but as I am disabled I could not get to the other side. I know there must be some way for disabled people to use the facilities in the evening, but could not find any way or anyone "official" to ask.
Please could you advise me.
Thank you

m alderson, 20 June 2008

These services are awful. They have the most cramped cubicles I've ever seen.
Why they altered them I don't know!

Fred, 6 April 2008

i'd give it a 97/100

anonymous coward, 24 February 2008

I paid £20 to park a HGV at this site south-bound and after paying found the showers and all wash facilities were freezing cold.
Plus the restaurant was cold and drafty, I had to eat with my overcoat on just to stay warm.
The staff were rude and boarish about the whole issue of the hot water. The prevailing attitude seemed to be "it's not my/our fault!"

I can't believe that although all the staff seemed aware of the hot water/heating problems no-one on the entire site thought to inform the drivers before they paid £13 or £20 for parking. At least, if they pre-informed then drivers could make a desicion about whether to stay and pay or leave and find parking at Keele or Stafford.

All in all I dont think I'll be parking at this site in the future and if they had any decency then I could at least expect a refund for the parking charge but the staff just weren't interested. They'd taken my money and thereafter couldn't give a monkey's!

Mark Phillips, 14 February 2008

Facilities feel cramped; for the number of toilet stalls/urinals the entrance is crowded. Sandwiches in shop pricey 3 pound for something you buy for one something in the supermarket. generally all the shop food and drink was 100% over tesco/asda prices.

graeme, 27 October 2007

stopped at southbound side last week, very clean, just been done up, nice coffee 1.95, staff v friendly. sandbach is the best

gareth jones, 18 August 2007

In a recent report by the AA Trust on UK motorway service stations, the "supreme" quality of its food selection gave it bottom place. Inspectors comments were: You could stop for petrol and perhaps buy some provisions, but we wouldn't recommend taking a break there.

anonymous coward, 14 April 2007

I got an overpriced Wimpy quarterpounder with cheese burger as the canteen was closed on Saturday just gone... After tucking in to my somewhat soggy chips, I took three bites out of my burger only to find there was in fact no meat. Only stale bread, a cheese slice and some lettuce.

Shocking.

Anon, 19 February 2007

All of the main resturant, the wimpy and shop had been closed for the night, offering no option of hot food save a heated 'pannini' from the coffee outlet, of which there was a very small supply (4) of one variety only. The service was negligent, the facilities poor. I wish I'd driven on to Knutsfod or stopped previously at Stafford n/bound.

The southbound outlets were entirely closed, with most light turned out, requiring customers to traverse the motorway in the unlit and un signed footbrige.

RedHillian, 3 January 2007

I saw a man defacate on the footbridge once

anonymous coward, 19 October 2006

Sounds like things havent improved much here since we stopped here on the way back from a weeks scout camp in the late 1990s. We hadnt seen a proper toilet for a week and a few of us had let things build up for the last couple of days. We were quite glad to find a row of empty stalls. About 4 or 5 of us made use of these, then relised too late that they were all out of toilet paper. One of us had to go out and grab a load from elsewhere and then bring it back and we passed it under the sides one by one. Never been back since!

Mark, 18 June 2006

Very poor and run down. footbridge was dark and lights were not working. Wimpy resturant was rather dull also. This was in March 2006 not 2005.

Chrisnli, 14 March 2006

Looks decrepid and tatty, toilets average for cleaniness
Not one i would stop at in a rush

richard Inglis, 10 February 2006

The footbridge at Sandbach services is of fibreglass construction. I worked for the company who made it in the 1980's. It was supposed to be self cleaning but as everyone who drives past it can tell....it isnt!
Happy memories to the hours spent wrapping the individual components and loading them on trucks for delivery to the site.

Steve, 13 January 2006

If you go on the M6 you see it has a footbridge. I find it the most ugliest thing to look at on the entire stretch of the motorway.

anonymous coward, 1 January 2006

In a Europe-wide survey conducted in 2004, this was the only MSA on the entire continent to be rated "very poor".

Mark, 21 December 2005