In the wake of a sinkhole swallowing up a high street in Surrey’s Godstone village, residents forced to evacuate express uncertainty about when they can return home. The appearance of the sinkhole on Monday prompted authorities to evacuate homeowners and businesses over safety concerns, leaving many in a state of limbo. Displaced families find themselves left to fend for themselves without a clear timeline for when they can expect to return.
Sarah Lewis, one of the evacuees from William Way, shares her story of being rendered homeless alongside her two young daughters. Forced to seek temporary shelter in an AirBnB with mold issues, Lewis highlights the lack of information provided to residents regarding the situation. With about 30 properties still evacuated as work progresses around the sinkhole, the community grapples with uncertainty and disruption.
Business owners in Godstone report experiencing a decline in trade since the sinkhole emerged, forcing some establishments to close intermittently. Dana Hussein, owner of a barber shop on the affected High Street, expresses concerns about potential long-term impacts on his business. Council estimates suggest that repairs may take up to six months, raising fears of prolonged disruptions and financial losses for local businesses.
Cafe owner Sami Bristow recounts the challenges faced by businesses in the area due to decreased foot traffic and traffic disruptions. With the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for repairs, businesses like Blossoms Cafe have had to adjust their operations to mitigate the impact of the sinkhole. While authorities assure residents that properties surrounding the sinkhole are currently stable, the process of returning residents home is expected to be lengthy. Local agencies have deemed the sinkhole incident a major incident, underscoring the gravity of the situation
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