Surrey Sinkhole Probe Faces Delay Due to Unstable Ground

A big sinkhole opened in Godstone, Surrey. It swallowed part of the high street. Some residents had to leave their homes, and about 30 properties got evacuated for safety. Roads closed because of this, forcing traffic to find a new route.

A second, related sinkhole then appeared in someone’s garden. Local officials called it a major event and planned on figuring out what caused it. Surrey Highways was going to investigate quickly.

However, the investigation got delayed because the ground isn’t safe enough yet. Catherine Sayer, who leads Tandridge District Council, told the news that they will test and survey the area soon.

They’ll use gentle testing first. LiDar may be an option, she shared, explaining that it uses lasers to measure distances and can help create 3D maps. This can show what’s happening below the surface.

Surrey County Council also spoke, noting that their team handles road issues. They await special gear, due to arrive February 26, which will help assess the ground and ensure safe repairs. The investigation can then properly start.

The council scheduled a meeting for locals Tuesday at St Nicholas Youth Centre that night. They will address worries from residents, and business owners can attend and ask questions.

Kevin Ball, who lives on Godstone High Street, is very concerned about his home. He is worried, asking, “Would it happen again?” He fears the sinkhole might return, a worry for him and others.

He hasn’t been given information about his area yet, but it’s still a worry, he says. The delay makes him nervous because he owns his house on the street. He worries about the value of his home.

Property values could drop, he fears. That is what he’s thinking about now, imagining that selling the house might be hard later. This event put Godstone in the news, but not for good things.

Godstone sits over old quarries. He wonders if they checked sooner and thinks they should have planned ahead. Six families went home Friday after checks, but twenty-four homes still need repairs.

The council will help with taxes, so residents impacted won’t pay them now. Businesses also get a rate relief and won’t pay if they cannot use their buildings. Bills already went out to people, but the council assures that they will not have to pay.

The council strengthened the area security more, and residents can collect important stuff safely now. People can email residents@tandridge.gov.uk for updates.