Godstone High Street in Surrey has officially reopened to traffic after an 18-month closure caused by a massive 65ft sinkhole. The road was shut in February 2025 following a water main leak, leading to a £3.5million engineering project to stabilize the ground and repair the road.
Businesses remain skeptical
While council officials have expressed delight at the end of the road closure, local business owners warn that the nightmare is far from over. The lengthy closure cut off vital passing traffic, forced three local businesses to close permanently, and left others struggling to survive.
Shane Fry, owner of local mechanics DD Services Ltd, described the initial shock when the crater caved in overnight. He said it took nearly three months for authorities to start offering help, with a different site manager every day introducing different rules. Deliveries were halted due to road stability fears, forcing him to use wheelbarrows to transport parts from delivery drivers at a nearby bus stop.
Trade drops and evacuation chaos
Mark Cullinan, landlord of The Hare & Hounds pub, saw his trade drop by 40% during the closure. He noted that many people don't even know the road is open again, and that 18 months is a long time for habits to change. The village, located directly off the M25 and along the A25, is an 'epicentre' for passing traffic heading toward Gatwick, Brighton, and the south coast, which dried up during the shutdown.
Cullinan also criticized the speed of the UK's infrastructure response compared to international standards, citing examples from Japan and South Korea where sinkholes are patched within 24 hours. He recalled the chaotic late-night evacuation when the hole first collapsed, with one resident sleeping in his car by the pond.
Historic instability
The village sits on soft, pure sand that was heavily mined underground from the 18th century for glass-making, leaving a web of unmapped tunnels beneath the surface. Historic Ordnance Survey maps from 1869 and 1872 show an 'entrance to a subterranean sand pit' just metres from where the recent crater opened up. In 1879, a horse, carriage, and driver vanished into a massive collapse on the same stretch of road.
Community and council response
Surviving traders worked together to push for clearer road signage, replacing electronic signs that declared 'Godstone Closed' with updated signage specifying that businesses were open. They also secured a system for slalom entry and the removal of physical barriers so drivers could still reach high street premises.
Individually, businesses adjusted their business models. Mr Fry invested in an online booking system and trained his mechanics in high-voltage repairs, making his garage one of the few in the region handling electric vehicles.
With support from local MP Claire Coutinho and Tandridge District Council, affected traders secured business rates hardship relief extended through to March 2027. However, Mr Fry suggested that utility providers or local authorities should consider compensation for lost trade and promotional expenses. He estimates it will take at least six months for garage bookings and MOT schedules to normalise.
Official statements
Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said: 'I am delighted that our work to repair and resurface the roads affected by the Godstone road collapse was completed earlier this month. I would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience while we have dealt with this challenging incident. Fundamentally, our focus has always been on getting this right to ensure the area is safe and stable for local people, and those travelling through the area.'
SES Water confirmed that Godstone High Street reopened last Friday 'following the completion of our water main replacement works,' which involved extensive ground investigations, installation of new eight-inch and 16-inch water mains and final testing. The company added: 'We'd like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while this essential work was carried out.'
Councillor Catherine Sayer, Leader of Tandridge District Council, said: 'We recognise the significant disruption caused by the Godstone Road collapse and the impact on local businesses. Tandridge District Council provided regular communications to affected residents and businesses until September 2025, when all displaced residents had returned home. Responsibility for ongoing communications about the road repair works then transferred to Surrey County Council as the highway authority.'
'In June, Tandridge District councillors agreed that from the date Godstone High Street reopens, all businesses currently receiving Hardship Relief will continue to receive 100% relief from their business rates until March 31, 2027, when Tandridge District Council will be replaced by East Surrey Council.'
'Tandridge District Council has provided business rates hardship relief to directly affected businesses ever since the road collapse took place and has continued to support Godstone businesses through grants, business support events, free Surrey Chambers membership, training opportunities on marketing, social media and video content creation, newsletters, one-to-one advice and drop-in clinics. Our Economy Lead remains in regular contact with local businesses and provides ongoing support.'
