Godstone High Street Reopening After 528 Days
The road collapsed in February 2025 due to a sinkhole, causing significant disruption.
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Godstone High Street will reopen on Friday, July 31, more than a year and a half after a significant sinkhole caused its closure. The road has been divided since February 18, 2025, when the collapse occurred, measuring 19 metres in length and 3 metres in width. SES Water is currently undertaking the final repair works.
Disruption and Impact
The prolonged closure has had a considerable impact on businesses in the vicinity, with many owners reporting difficulties due to restricted traffic flow. Some have requested additional tax relief to mitigate the financial strain caused by the disruption. The sinkhole is believed to have resulted from a burst water main, which also led to the evacuation of several nearby residences when it first appeared.
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Confirmation and Future Lessons
East Surrey MP Claire Coutinho confirmed the reopening date, stating she had received confirmation from SES Water. She acknowledged the lengthy duration of the closure, which has spanned 528 days. "This seemingly never-ending saga has dragged on for nearly eighteen months," Ms Coutinho said, adding, "I hope the reopening will allow people to get back to their lives. But ultimately, lessons must be learnt from this incident."
An SES Water spokesperson confirmed the reopening date in conjunction with Surrey County Council, noting that the project was in its final stages. Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council's transport lead, expressed his delight that road repair and resurfacing work by the council was completed earlier in the month, and thanked residents and businesses for their patience throughout the challenging incident.
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