Investigation delayed as site deemed unsafe. Homes still evacuated after high street swallowed.
The sinkhole appeared in Godstone last Monday night. Thirty homes were evacuated, roads closed, and traffic diverted. Another sinkhole appeared nearby in a garden. Authorities called it a major incident.
Surrey Highways delayed their work. The area needs to be more stable before they can proceed. They need to do borehole testing. Catherine Sayer, who leads Tandridge District Council, told the news on Sunday.
Sayer mentioned less intrusive tests. They will survey the area first. LiDar may be used as an alternative to create 3D maps. It measures distance with lasers.
Surrey County Council spoke about equipment. They need specialist tools for assessment. This ensures safe repairs and design work. It should arrive on February 26th.
Tandridge Council will host a public meeting at St Nicholas Youth Centre Tuesday night. They will talk about concerns of locals and business owners.
Kevin Ball lives on Godstone High Street and expressed major concern about safety. He worries the sinkhole could happen again. This concerns him greatly.
Ball owns his house, and the delay in investigation worries him. He’s worried about property values and concerned about future sales. The town is now known for the wrong reason.
Godstone sits on quarries and tunnels. Ball wondered about prior work. Why didn’t they prepare for this? Six households returned home Friday, but twenty-four homes remain unsafe.
Tandridge Council will offer tax relief for affected residents and businesses. They understand the impact on the community. People won’t pay taxes while displaced. Security increased in the area too. Affected residents can collect belongings safely.