News

Update on Godstone sinkhole

Support available and safety measures in place

As at Friday 21 February

Late on Monday 17 February 2025 a significant sinkhole formed in Godstone, leading to the evacuation of 30 households.

Residents were evacuated and the site was closed and secured while investigations were carried out, to ensure everyone remained safe.

While the situation is stabilising, it will be treated as an ongoing significant incident, which means all agencies in Surrey working closely to focus on supporting residents and moving to repair and recovery.

We understand the disruption and uncertainty this is causing residents and those traveling near the area. We will continue to update this page as the works continue.

Structure

Structural experts are assessing the site to manage the risk and determine what needs to be done to ensure safety and repair. Everyone's safety is our priority.

Utilities

Utility companies have isolated supplies where required. Properties in the wider area now have access to water and power as normal and the impacted homes are confined within the cordon. More permanent repairs will be carried out once the site is deemed safe to work in.

For the latest information about the water network, visit the SES Water website.

Schools

No local schools are directly affected by the Godstone sinkhole. All schools will be open as usual after half term on Monday 24 February. There has been no affect on the school coach routes, however please be aware there may be disruptions to traffic and travel. Please refer to the roads and travel section below.

Roads and travel

Road closures and diversions are in place. We encourage residents to avoid the area if possible.

The A25 in Godstone is closed in both directions. Drivers should follow the diversion route via A25 Oxted Road, A22 Godstone Bypass, and Eastbourne Road. To reduce confusion for motorists, this diversion route has been clearly marked. For more details on the diversion, please visit our roadworks map.

  • The latest roadworks updates for the area can be found on our utilities roadworks webpage.
  • Parking restrictions will be in place on Eastbourne Road to reduce impact when schools reopen after half term - week commencing Monday 24 February. These restrictions will be in place until further notice.
  • For information on affected public transport in the area please visit our traffic and travel webpage. We advise you check before you travel.

Bus travel

Due to the road closure the Metrobus 400, 409 and 410 services are on diversion and cannot use Godstone High Street. Passengers are advised to catch their bus from the "Godstone Green" bus stop (near the Needle's Bank public toilets) instead. In addition the 410 service will also be unable to serve the "Crowhurst Mead" or "Church Lane" bus stops on the A25 Oxted Road.

With regards to school services, the Metrobus 612 service for Oxted School will also be on diversion, and will be unable to serve the "Crowhurst Mead" or "Church Lane" bus stops on A25 Oxted Road. Passengers for this service should either catch the bus from the "Godstone Green" bus stop (near the Needle's Bank public toilets) or can alternatively catch the Metrobus 611 service to Oxted School from the "Crowhurst Mead" and "Church Lane" bus stops on A25 Oxted Road. Passengers should bear in mind that this service operates slightly earlier than the Metrobus 612 service, arriving at the "Crowhurst Mead" bus stop at 07:59, to arrive at Oxted School for 08:14.

We advise you check before you travel. For the latest information and updates, visit our temporary changes to bus services webpage.

Support for affected residents

Tandridge District Council is providing advice and support about emergency accommodation directly to local residents who have been asked to leave their homes. If you have been asked to evacuate your home, you can call Tandridge District Council on 01883 722000 for advice about emergency accommodation.

For local information including bin collections please refer to the Tandridge District Council website.

Royal Mail are currently holding all mail for the affected residents at the Customer Service Point (CSP) in the local Redhill Delivery Office. None of the mail will be returned to sender. The residents can collect the mail from the CSP with identification until they are able to return to their properties.

Significant Incident declared

A Major Incident was declared on Tuesday 18 February. This means it's a serious event that could lasts a long time, involves complex challenges, and requires extra resources and help from multiple agencies.

As of Thursday 20 February, it is now a Significant Incident, with the focus being on the affected residents, the recovery and remediation works.

Tandridge District Council is leading the response, with the support of the Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF). The SLRF includes Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council, utility providers, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and Surrey Police.

What we know so far

Stay up to date

We will be updating this webpage as and when more information becomes available.

Follow Tandridge District Council and our social media accounts for updates.

You can also view our press release.

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