As the sinkhole situation in Godstone, Surrey, continues to unfold, residents are returning home amidst ongoing threats. An elderly resident, Mr. Davis, refuses to leave his property, citing its stability and family history.
Six families who were evacuated from their homes in Godstone, Surrey, have been allowed to return after two sinkholes appeared on the village’s High Street. The first hole was discovered late on Monday night when a water pipe burst, and it grew to at least 65ft long by Tuesday lunchtime.
A sinkhole is a depression or hole in the ground that forms when a layer of soil or rock is removed, often due to underground water 'erosion'.
These natural formations can occur suddenly or gradually over time and vary greatly in size.
Geological processes such as karst dissolution, tectonic activity, and 'erosion' contribute to sinkhole formation.
According to the USGS, an estimated 20% of the world's land surface is affected by karst terrain, which is prone to sinkholes.
The residents of 30 properties were initially told to evacuate due to a 100m cordon put in place around the affected area. However, Tandridge District Council has announced that those who have been allowed to return home will not need to pay council tax or business rates while they are unable to use their properties.
A ‘We can’t just leave our homes’ said one resident
Despite the efforts of the authorities, one resident is refusing to budge. An 87-year-old man, Mr. Davis, who lives in a property just metres from the sinkholes, has stated that he will remain in his home. He claims that his house is stable and was built by his grandfather, with more bricks below it than above.
The elderly man, ‘We’ve lived here for 50 years, we’re not going anywhere’ said Mr. Davis, has had three visits from the police but has not been ordered to leave. He has also prepared an escape plan in case of any emergencies. His wife shares his determination to stay put, despite having no water supply at present.
While some residents have been allowed to return home, others are still waiting to be given the green light. The sinkhole situation has caused significant disruption to the village, with Godstone Farm being left without water on Tuesday. The farm’s chief executive, ‘It’s a nightmare’ said Nicola Henderson, is concerned about the long-term impact of the incident on the village.
Sinkholes are natural or human-induced depressions in the ground surface, causing structural damage and posing significant threats to infrastructure and human life.
According to the US Geological Survey, over 20,000 sinkholes occur annually in the United States alone.
Factors contributing to sinkhole formation include karst terrain, mining activities, and groundwater extraction.
The economic impact of sinkholes is substantial, with estimated annual losses reaching $3 billion worldwide.
Garage owner Shane Fry believes that customers will soon be allowed limited access to the High Street. However, any decision to move the cordon back depends on the outcome of technical safety assessments over the coming days.
