Sinkhole investigations delayed

Authorities have delayed investigations into the cause of a huge sinkhole in a Surrey village, citing safety concerns.

The cavity appeared in Godstone last Monday (17 February) and by Tuesday afternoon had grown to about 20 metres, leading to water supplies being cut off.

Residents of about 30 properties were forced to evacuate their homes, although six households have been told it is safe to return.

A second sinkhole has also opened up opposite the first.

Investigations will continue on Wednesday (26 February) at the earliest to determine the extent of the damage before stabilisation efforts can begin and reconstruction plans can be made.

But Surrey County Council’s assistant director for safer communities, Carl Bussey, warned that full repairs will take ‘several weeks, if not months’.

Tandridge District Council has said those affected will not have to pay council tax or business rates while they are unable to use their properties.

The district council is now leading the response to the incident, with support from the Surrey Local Resilience Forum, and will hold a meeting to update residents on Tuesday (25 February).

This article first appeared on localgov.co.uk.

Image: Tandridge DC