Residents of a Surrey village that has been divided in two for the last seven months by a sinkhole have described the decision to carry out a further six months of roadworks as “devastating”.
Two sections of the A25/High Street in Godstone caved in back in February, leading to property evacuations, business closures and significant traffic disruption, says the BBC.
Local people say shutting a route which serves as “an unofficial diversion out of the village” until early next year for gas network upgrades will lead to even further upheaval.
Gas company SGN said the work was essential but it appreciated “how frustrating” it might be to those living nearby. Confirming that the project was “unrelated” to the appearance of the sinkhole, SGN spokesperson Dan Brown said work in the Tilburstow Hill Road area would start on Monday and was expected to last approximately six months.
“Our engineers will be replacing a section of our old metal gas main with new plastic pipe,” he added. “The old pipework was laid around 1936 and has experienced recent leakage and water ingress issues, leading to nearby properties having their gas supplies interrupted.”
Mr Brown said that in order “to continue providing a safe and reliable supply of gas to homes and businesses across Godstone” a number of roads would need to close.
Water Lane will also be closed to motorists from the same date for approximately eight weeks, while Tilburstow Hill Road will be closed in sections between Rosedene Farm and Yew Tree Farm from 29 September for around 23 weeks.
Temporary traffic lights will also be installed along A22 Eastbourne Road in order to “make the new connections to our network”.
“We’re still liaising with Surrey County Council on when this will be carried out,” said Mr Brown.
“There are a lot of houses, stables and farms along here, not to mention a village pub – all of which will suffer,” said local resident Abi Slater. “I can’t tell you how devastating this additional closure will be.”
Surrey County Council said it would be “considering the potential disruption for residents and local businesses, while balancing it with the safety and resilience of the local gas apparatus and supply”.
(Pic: Surrey County Council)
