Reporter Neil Munday

At a public meeting in the village on Thursday evening (5th June), Godstone residents and businesses were informed that the A25 High Street should re-open in December.

Lloyd Allen, Infrastructure Team Manager at Surrey County Council, outlined the programme of works so far, which included testing the ground with bore holes.  He also announced a progression of repairs to the highway and pavement areas.

Mr Allen said that a tunnel has been discovered which had  not previously been found on any plans.   Investigations have taken place using cameras and there are plans to use Laser 3D modeling although this may not be conclusive. The tunnel is located close to the junction of Salisbury Road but direction and distance are as yet undetermined, however debris has been found from the original collapse in this area.

Jenny Rhodes, Head of Supply for Sutton and East Surrey Water explained the situation for residents regarding their water bills.

Residents voiced their frustration over issues such as speeding motorists and several accidents in the area.  There is also increased pressure on the diversion route around the High Street when accidents on the motorway often require additional traffic to be diverted off the M25.

The meeting heard that drivers have been attempting to use “rat runs” on some local roads, two of which had been closed off but one remained.  SCC said they would report this back to Surrey Highways, the police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

After the meeting, Neil Munday spoke with Claire Coutinho, MP for East Surrey, who shared her thoughts about the latest developments.