Godstone Sinkhole: Residents Feel Unsupported After Evacuation

A sinkhole opened in Godstone, Surrey, causing worry. Businesses and residents feel unsupported by the council. They cite a lack of helpful updates after Monday. A large safety zone exists, and roads are closed now.

Thirty evacuated homeowners still lack return dates. A pharmacy owner, Ifesi, said the council has not contacted her; she learned news from the media, not officials. She felt authorities let her down, offering zero support. Customers called her, scared about prescription safety, but she reassured them, though many are elderly and road closures make medicine pickup very hard.

A resident, Sarah, is “extremely stressed” with her two daughters. Sarah learned the council estimated a two to four month wait. Recently jobless, she called their family “homeless,” adding that their temporary AirBnB has black mold inside. She criticized the council for hiding information.

She learned updates from a resident WhatsApp group; no official information emerged, which felt frustrating. They don’t know how long insurance covers housing. The council offered no real answers, she explained. Dana, a barber, worries about his business’s future.

He had few customers due to the sinkhole issue. He fears business loss if the road stays closed, reporting that the council expects a six-month repair time. Council member Matt Furniss said the properties seem stable, though he cautioned that this assessment might change soon.

They are now investigating with boreholes, but timelines remain uncertain and it may take months. Furniss confirmed utilities are capped, so no explosion risk exists. He said a second sinkhole appeared in a garden where a car balanced precariously near the edge of the new hole, close to the eroded ground.

The District Council mentioned historical sandpits nearby, indicating they are assessing the site with structural experts. Carl Bussey, a council assistant director, understands the disruption. He thanked residents for their patience during this time.

He added that they will work safely to return things to normal and stressed that this remains a significant event, saying that this work ensures the site is stable for coming repairs. Road closures remain, but residents can retrieve belongings with supervision.

Technical assessments will continue on nearby buildings. If homes are safe, residents can return to them; however, repairs will take weeks or months.