A couple in Godstone return home near a sinkhole. They choose to stay despite safety and communication concerns.
Surrey declared a major incident and advised people to avoid the area during repairs. Nicola and Damian Styles were woken by police around 00:30 on Tuesday due to a gas explosion risk.
Mrs. Styles described it as a shock. They grabbed laptops and clothes, leaving quickly for her sister’s in Purley, unsure how long they’d be gone, according to Mr. Styles.
The couple returned to their home midday Tuesday and gathered belongings but decided to stay. Mr. Styles said they don’t know what will happen but are taking their chances right now, explaining that the sinkhole keeps getting bigger.
Mrs. Styles criticized the unorganized communications, stating that residents aren’t being kept informed and wishing they had a help desk number. Mr. Styles added that they found info online after evacuating and wants to know when it’s safe to return, hoping they’ll be warned if another evacuation is needed.
Alan and Tracey Jones, who live on Godstone High Street, sheltered their daughter’s family after police evacuated their flat near the sinkhole’s edge. Mrs. Jones described it as a nightmare, as her family arrived at midnight because of a gas explosion risk.
Mr. Jones expressed concern, mentioning the many workers and utility companies. SES Water stated a pipe burst on the street and provided bottled water to residents Tuesday night due to the cut off running water.
Mr. Jones said the water issue is the worst, with his daughter showering at a friend’s house in Whyteleafe, and that they have no information at all. Kevin Boll stayed awake until 1 am Tuesday, awaiting an update after police warned of evacuation.
He recounted that his water went off suddenly at quarter to midnight, while his stepdaughter was about to shower, realizing there was a big problem. He then found the emergency services and sinkhole.
He described seeing police and fire engines, and “a dirty great big hole in the floor,” expressing he was scared by the size of the hole. He added that the houses were evacuated due to a gas explosion threat, that it will take a while to handle, that no one saw this coming, and that the sinkhole is near new flats.
Carl Bussey, the Assistant Director for Safer Communities and chairman of the Strategic Coordination Group, said they are working to protect people and asked people to stay away for safety.
He said investigations continue to make the area safe and to repair utilities, promising updates. Around 30 properties are being supported, Tandridge District Council is offering advice, highway diversions are in place, and the forum will meet to resolve it quickly.