Godstone sinkhole causing festive fear
Businesses in the Surrey town effected by the 65-foot sinkhole have told us they were anxious ahead of the festive period
Businesses in the town of Godstone have told us that they are concerned about business heading into Christmas
In February, a 65-foot sinkhole opened up in the town, making it impossible to get from one side to the other without a significant detour
Last month the council announced that the sinkhole would not be fixed until March next year at the earliest
The Hare and Hounds pub next to the site of the sinkhole told us they had lost around 65% of business.
Alison who works at the pub says there is a significant feeling of frustration
"We just don't know whether we're coming or going. It's so frustrating. It's sad and it's making us scared, to be honest, because we don't know how long we can carry on, not knowing how many people or if we're going to have any customers."
As the sinkhole opened in February, this week will be the first Christmas the town has had whilst the sinkhole has been open.
Alison added that Christmas this year has been drastically different
"I don't know what to do. I could be January and have 20 turkeys left over at the moment because oh nothing's happening. We haven't got to half the amount we normally have.
It's just a nightmare. Our bookings for Christmas, compared to normally is non-existent really, we've got a few. And you can't blame people. The traffic is... There isn't much at all."
The Godstone Emporium, a gift shop next to the sinkhole told us although some residents were enjoying the peace and quiet, the shop itself was expecting to be significantly quieter over the holidays.
By the time the sinkhole is repaired, it will have been in the town for over a year, Alison spoke about how she was scared for the future of Godstone
"There must be something you can do about it. can't just leave it. Somebody take responsibility for what's happened before there is no Godstone Village because there'll be nothing left. It's extremely sad and extremely scary."