Residents near a large sinkhole in Surrey may be displaced for months while safety assessments take place.
Carl Bussey spoke about the incident, stating that homes must be safe before people return. Assessments on properties will happen.
Sarah Lewis spoke to Sky News, saying they might live elsewhere for months after a 62ft hole appeared on Monday night. She said they were told it could take months before they could go back home and doesn’t know what they will do.
Sarah is worried for her children and wants to give them security. She can’t right now because of the sinkhole, and they don’t know where they will live.
Thirty properties were evacuated on William Way, and Surrey County Council called it a major incident. A 100m cordon is near Godstone High Street. A second sinkhole appeared in a front garden. The sinkholes’ cause remains unknown, and they are still investigating it.
Tandridge District Council says it’s a “significant incident” and are working with Surrey County Council to fix it. They want to resolve the situation fast and are checking if homes are safe. Affected people can collect essential items.
Mr. Bussey said repairs would take weeks or months. Matt Furniss said homes near the sinkhole seem stable but admitted this might change.
Sarah said the council seeks long-term housing but has not given financial support, which she thinks is frustrating. It will cost her family a great deal of money, and she might need to buy replacements. Her temporary Airbnb has black mould.
Businesses are losing customers. Shane Fry, who owns a garage, says people think it’s closed and wants signs saying they are still open, stating it will cost them dearly if they remain closed.
Surrey County Council said they are helping residents, and Tandridge District Council is also assisting. Both councils offer updates online. Claire Coutinho said businesses may get lower council tax.