Sinkhole residents warned of home survey scam

The sinkholes appeared in February and saw 30 properties evacuated

Residents affected by huge sinkholes in one Surrey village say they are being targeted by alleged scammers asking for money.

Two months after a pair of craters appeared on Godstone High Street, people living nearby have reported receiving leaflets offering safety surveys on their homes, costing nearly £1,500 each.

The leaflets, which are from an unnamed company and contain only a mobile number and WhatsApp QR code, have been described as "an absolute liberty" by locals.

Tandridge District Council has urged villagers not to be pressurised by "fraudsters" into getting any unnecessary work done.

About 30 properties were evacuated as a result of the February sinkholes - one of which measured 65ft (20m) in length.

Some families were even told it might be up to a year before they could return.

However, in March, Surrey County Council's infrastructure team announced those impacted could move back, despite the cause of the road collapse remaining unknown.

Alban Brindle, Chairman of the Godstone Village Association, said it was "awful" that someone was "trying to take advantage after what has been a pretty hard time".

He urged residents to ignore the leaflets and added that Surrey County Council is already carrying out surveys and "awaiting additional equipment that will give them a lot more information".

Godstone resident Alan White (left), pictured with Alban Brindle, Chairman of the Godstone Village Association

Alan White, who has lived in Godstone for 25 years, said his whole street had received the pamphlets in their mail boxes.

"I got one the other day asking for £1,490 to do a survey with a full report - no company name, just a mobile number and a Whatstapp QR code," he said.

"It's very obviously a scam."

Another resident said they had put theirs straight in the recycling bin, adding: "They're just looking to make money out of people, it's an absolute liberty."

A spokesperson for Tandridge District Council warned everyone to avoid "fraudsters" who "play on your fears and pressure you into getting work done straight away.

"Leaflet drops are often followed up knocks on your door - you do not have to engage with doorstep callers," they said.

"Do your research on any trader you may employ and get at least three quotes."

In a post on social media, Trading Standards added: "Don't panic and think twice before paying as Surrey Highways are carrying out ground penetrating surveys (and others) anyway."