'Sinkhole in village can't go on forever' - Badenoch

The leader of the Conservative Party has called for a sinkhole which opened up in a Surrey village more than a year ago to be fixed "as soon as possible".

During her visit to Godstone on Tuesday, Kemi Badenoch said the sinkhole was "yet another problem" that residents and local businesses were having to deal with.

She told the BBC: "I have spoken to business owners, they told me about many problems they are facing including Covid, a spike in energy cost and now the road network."

Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey County Council, said contractors were working "to stabilise the 19th Century underground mine network below the collapse".

"More than 700 tonnes of grout have now been put in place," he added.

"These stabilisation works will continue over the coming weeks, after which the burst water pipes can be replaced by SES Water and the final reconstruction of the road and pavements can get under way.

"We remain on track to get the road open again in the spring but need to be absolutely sure the area is safe and stable before we do so for the benefit of everyone."

Badenoch added she would be looking at other ways to help Godstone residents and businesses, including reducing the cost of energy and fuel.

The Tory leader added the sinkhole problem "could not go on forever".

"What I want to see is that we are at least making life better for them in other ways," she said.

Nicola Henderson, owner of Godstone Farm, said it had been "challenging" to run a business.

She described the situation as like "pushing water up a hill".

She said businesses were facing numerous problems including the sinkhole that had "added time to people's journey to the farm" since it appeared in February 2025, and costs for business rates, national insurance and minimum wage.

"Businesses in a small village need a leg up to help succeed," she added.

Sami Bristow, owner of Café Blossoms in Godstone, said: "It's been a constant battle to make the same amount of money but for so much harder work."

Furniss added the county council remained "hugely sympathetic to the disruption being experienced by some residents and businesses in Godstone".

"We thank them for their patience," he added.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.