News / Barton House
‘Failures at every level of government’ led to Barton House crisis
The sudden evacuation of hundreds of people from Barton House has been slammed as “another example of communities being failed and lives being put at risk”.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has condemned what it calls “failures at every level of government” leading up to the emergency situation on the evening of Tuesday, November 14 that saw some 400 people asked to leave their homes immediately.
More than a week down the line and those affected remain living in hotels or with friends and family, with an expected wait of two to three weeks before surveys on Bristol’s tower block are due to be completed so they know when or if they can return home.
is needed now More than ever
Barton House is one of five tower blocks in the city built with large panel system (LPS) construction, something the council was warned in 2017 could pose a danger.
A recent building survey discovered that “in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, there is a risk to the structure of the block”, with council leaders saying the problem lies in the way the 1958 block was built, which was not to the original design specifications.
But FBU bosses say concerns have been repeatedly raised that these potentially catastrophic building safety risks have not been properly addressed by Westminster.
Barton House residents staged a protest at their treatment three days after the mass evacuation – photo: Mia Vines Booth
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “It is now clear that the residents of Barton House will suffer serious disruption for weeks to come. No one should have to worry about whether their home might collapse in the event of a fire.
“The crisis in building safety has been caused by failures at every level of government, and a lack of regulation and enforcement. This is yet another example of communities being failed and lives being put at risk.
“Decision-makers at every level of government must listen to residents. We need urgent action from central government to ensure all tower blocks and housing are fit for purpose.”
Bristol City Council has been asked for a comment on the FBU statement.
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read next:
- Apology for residents of Barton House
- Barton House residents protest inside City Hall
- Council criticised for handling of tower block evacuation
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