Sinkhole village faces six months of road works

The Godstone sinkhole appeared back in February

Residents of a Surrey community split in two by a sinkhole have said a decision to carry out six months of roadworks in the village is "devastating".

Two sections of the A25/High Street in Godstone caved in back in February, leading to property evacuations, business closures and significant traffic disruption.

Local people say shutting a route which serves as "an unofficial diversion out of the village" until early next year for gas network upgrades will lead to even further upheaval.

Gas company SGN said the work was essential but it appreciated "how frustrating" it might be to those living nearby.

Confirming that the project was "unrelated" to the appearance of the sinkhole, SGN spokesperson Dan Brown said work in the Tilburstow Hill Road area would start on Monday and was expected to last approximately six months.

"Our engineers will be replacing a section of our old metal gas main with new plastic pipe," he added.

"The old pipework was laid around 1936 and has experienced recent leakage and water ingress issues, leading to nearby properties having their gas supplies interrupted."

Mr Brown said that in order "to continue providing a safe and reliable supply of gas to homes and businesses across Godstone" a number of roads would need to close.

Water Lane will also be closed to motorists from the same date for approximately eight weeks, while Tilburstow Hill Road will be closed in sections between Rosedene Farm and Yew Tree Farm from 29 September for around 23 weeks.

Temporary traffic lights will also be installed along A22 Eastbourne Road in order to "make the new connections to our network".

"We're still liaising with Surrey County Council on when this will be carried out," said Mr Brown.

The owner of the Fox & Hounds pub said her business would be "effectively cut off" by the plans

Villager Abi Slater said: "I live on Tilburstow Hill Road and it's one of the roads that's become an unofficial diversion route for the A25 following the sinkhole.

"It's not ideal but it allows residents and businesses a way out and takes the pressure off the official diversion, which is struggling to cope.

"There are a lot of houses, stables and farms along here, not to mention a village pub - all of which will suffer.

"I can't tell you how devastating this additional closure will be."

Ellie Conway, general manager of the Fox & Hounds pub on Tilburstow Hill Road, said her business would be "effectively cut off" by the plans.

"Trade had already dropped 40% because of the sinkhole, and now this," she added.

Surrey County Council said it would be "considering the potential disruption for residents and local businesses, while balancing it with the safety and resilience of the local gas apparatus and supply".