High street given reopening date after sinkhole
Getty ImagesA road closed by a sinkhole for nearly 18 months is to reopen this week, an MP has said.
Godstone High Street has been shut since February 2025, when the 65ft (20m) crater appeared and forced homes to be evacuated.
Claire Coutinho, Conservative MP for East Surrey, said the road would reopen on Friday, and "lessons must be learnt from this incident".
Surrey County Council (SCC) said the date would be determined by SES Water, which confirmed the Friday opening and said it was completing the last stages of its project on site.
East Surrey MP, Claire Coutinho wrote on social media: "This seemingly never-ending saga has dragged on for nearly 18 months.
"And while I am sure no-one is in the mood for celebrations, I hope the reopening will allow people to get back to their lives."
Matt Furniss, SCC cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth said, "I am delighted that our work to repair and resurface the roads affected by the Godstone road collapse was completed earlier this month.
"SES works remain ongoing and the reopening date for Godstone High Street will be determined by their completion date."
He thanked residents for their patience, and added: "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 said: "We're pleased to confirm that Godstone High Street will reopen on Friday, 31st July, in liaison with Surrey County Council.
"We're now completing the last stages of our project on site ahead of the road reopening."
PA MediaInitial hopes had been for a December 2025 reopening, but delays to repair work persisted.
After the sinkhole appeared, council tax and business rate relief was given to those affected.
In June this year, some local firms requested additional business rate relief, claiming the road collapse was "killing" trade.
As of January, the repair cost had risen to £2.3m.
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