Barton House residents ‘in a state of shock, panic and disbelief’

A resident of Barton House claims that he and his neighbours were “left in the dark” following their sudden evacuation.

Residents were evacuated on Tuesday evening following a structural survey which found “serious and immediate” structural issues with the building in Barton Hill.

Bristol24/7 understands that around 400 residents, including 100 children, lived in Barton House off Marsh Lane, with one temporary shelter set up on the ground floor of City Hall for people unable to be found a hotel room.

The issues at Barton House follow a campaign, Bristol Towers United, by residents and community union ACORN, which secured millions of pounds in fire safety measures following a string of fires in Bristol tower blocks, including a fatal fire at Twinnell House in Easton.

Acorn said that “addressing the council’s failure to listen to safety concerns of residents and their failure to properly communicate with them was a key part of the campaign”.

Following the evacuation, Barton House resident and ACORN Bristol branch secretary, Shaban Ali, said: “Residents are in a state of shock, panic and disbelief tonight. Not long after a hard fought battle to ensure the safety of buildings and work having been carried out on Barton House, we find out through WhatsApp groups and local journalists’ social media accounts that we are being ordered to evacuate.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t come as a shock anymore, but this is being handled so poorly by the council who have been out of touch with the community for a very long time.”

The 15-storey Barton House was built in 1958 and contains 98 flats – photo: Martin Booth

ACORN Bristol organiser, Sam Kidel, added: “It’s been six years since Grenfell, 14 months since the fatal fire at Twinnell House, and 12 months after our fire safety campaign won promises worth £100m from the council after a hard fight by ACORN members. And today the council is caught surprised by a survey finding Barton House is not fire safe?

“There are serious questions that need to be answered by Bristol City Council, not least: why residents have been given assurances over the safety of this and other tower blocks only to find out via the media that they are to be evacuated over structural concerns in the event of a fire?

“How are we supposed to believe claims that the council takes the safety of its tenants seriously after all this? How can we ever trust their word again? Every council leader must be held responsible, but the largest responsibility lands with mayor Marvin Rees.

“We also have to ask, if it wasn’t for ACORN and the Bristol Towers United campaign, would this survey even have taken place and would these serious issues have been discovered before it was too late?

“Once again this shows why campaigns like ‘Bristol Towers United’ and organisations such as ACORN are so important, to make sure that residents’ concerns and the safety and security of tenants is something that cannot be ignored.”

This is the full statement published on the website of Bristol City Council: “A tower block in Bristol is being evacuated today (Tuesday 14 November) following a recent building survey.

“The block has recently been subject to a number of surveys to assess options for the future of the building due to its age and method of construction. The surveys undertaken to three flats out of the 98 in the block indicate that in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, there is a risk to the structure of the block. As a precautionary measure and to allow for further, more in depth surveys, residents in the block are being asked to leave Barton House immediately.

“Council officers are contacting all tenants within the block to advise that they stay with friends and relatives for a short period of time whilst further survey work and analysis is undertaken. For those who cannot stay with friends and family, a temporary rest centre has been put in place for people to shelter whilst alternative arrangements are made. The temporary rest centre will be based at the Tawfiq Masjid & Centre where beds, food and drink will be made available. Further rest centres are in the process of being established. Further details will be shared with tenants imminently.

“The length of this temporary arrangement is dependent on a further survey of the building, which is being arranged to happen as soon as possible. All tenants will be kept regularly informed of progress and any updates on support arrangements.

“Any resident of Barton House who has been unable to speak to officers or requires further guidance can call a dedicated free hotline for further information. The number to dial is 0800 694 0184. Lines will be open until midnight tonight (14 November 2023) and between 8.30am to 5pm tomorrow (15 November 2023). Residents will also be able to visit the council’s Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street from 10am tomorrow.

“Outside of these hours residents can also call 0117 922 2050.

“Tenant safety is the number one priority for the council’s housing team. The cautious approach being taken to Barton House is to ensure that no unnecessary risk is taken with the wellbeing of those who live there. No evidence has been presented to suggest there is any immediate risk to health and life. The further planned survey is designed to provide all the information needed to fully assess the building structure.

“Barton House is a tower block in the Barton Hill area of Bristol. It is the oldest of the tower blocks in the Bristol City Council housing estate, construction being completed in 1958. The design and age of Barton House make it unique within the council’s housing estate. There is currently no evidence to suggest the issues identified within Barton House are present elsewhere, although the council is regularly surveying its estate as it works to meet all regulatory requirements.

“Officers have updated Avon Fire and Rescue with regards to the situation, who in turn have acknowledged the approach being taken is proportional.

“Further information will be made available on an ongoing basis. Residents are advised to follow Bristol City Council social media channels and keep mobile phones nearby to receive further updates from the housing team.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• Hundreds of residents evacuated from Bristol’s oldest tower block
• Man dead and eight in hospital after fire at tower block
• Campaigners celebrate new fire safety measures following Twinnell House fire

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