Two Surrey grandfathers are refusing to leave their homes after sinkholes appeared, swallowing part of the high street.
The first sinkhole appeared in Godstone after a water pipe burst under the road. This created a huge hole on Monday, and thirty properties were evacuated. A second hole then appeared on Tuesday, engulfing a garden and nearly taking a car.
Families moved to temporary housing located fifteen miles away. Some people even live in their cars.
Brendon Davis, 87 years old, argued with council workers on Thursday when they wanted him to leave his home. His grandfather built the home 150 years ago, and he knows his property is very sturdy. He said he is not worried about it collapsing, and if it does, he knows another way to leave.
He sarcastically suggested flying to the Canary Islands. He doesn’t need to move since his house is safe. He just wants his car out of the garage.
The village is now very quiet and eerie. Locals call it “Godshole” instead of Godstone. Businesses face a long closure, and it could take six months to reopen properly.
Another grandfather lives near the sinkhole and expected this disaster to happen. He knew about the water pipe for years. He recalls a bump in the road, called “the ski jump” locally. It formed when they built the new estate, and the road sank, except for that bump.
He will also stay in his home, which is built on solid rocks. He criticizes the lack of information. Authorities held a local meeting, but they couldn’t say when people could return. No one has visited him to give information, and he doesn’t use social media for updates. He feels left in the dark about the situation.
His neighbor was forced to evacuate, saying another crack was forming. He barely got his dogs out safely. The council can only force people out in emergencies.
Tandridge Council stated they knew of old sandpits. Experts evaluate the site for repairs. Surrey Council says the properties seem stable now. They will start borehole investigations today and can’t estimate a return date yet. Residents will receive updates in the future, but the repairs may take months.