Residents of Barton House, the Bristol tower block that was urgently evacuated a month ago amid safety concerns, have been told that the problems are not as severe as was thought and they will be allowed home, but not before the new year.
About 400 tenants were suddenly asked to leave in November after a survey found there was “a material risk” to the structure of the block in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact.
A month on, the city council has now said the problems are not as grave as was thought at first and residents will be able to return, though it is not able to say when.
In a statement, the council said more surveys had been carried out on the 65-year-old block. “The initial results from these surveys indicate that the issues suggested by earlier surveys are not present throughout the whole building, as was feared, and that residents will be able to move back,” it said.
“The latest surveys, which went deeper and further across the building than previous investigations, indicate that the safety measures which the building was designed with do appear to exist and are in the locations that surveyors would expect to see them.
“Whilst this early information provides positive indications regarding the block’s safety, some essential work will be required to make Barton House safe. The full extent of the work required is yet to be determined and officers continue to await a final report from contractors that will make recommendations about the measures that need putting in place to secure the high level of building safety needed to enable residents’ safe return. It is likely that a new communal fire alarm system will be required, which is estimated to take two months.”
Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, said: “Unfortunately, we are not in a position to confirm a return date yet, but sadly we know it will not be safe for residents to return before Christmas and the new year.
“A picture is beginning to emerge that suggests the safety measures the block was designed with are in place. This was previously in serious doubt. While this gives us hope that the building’s structure is well protected, there is still work to do to make sure the building is safe for people to live in.”
Rees added: “It’s not going to be a quick return again, this is about making the building safe. You’ve got people’s lives who have been upended … We cannot tell them they can go home for Christmas – that’s not easy.”
Tenants have also been told of the need to test for legionella in the water systems of those flats that have been unoccupied over the past month. Posters have been put up across the block to remind people of the risk of legionella in the water systems.
Many of the residents are staying at a Holiday Inn, where conditions have been described as cramped and uncomfortable.
Members of the Acorn community union said residents who were too afraid to move back ought to be rehoused on the same rent or less. They asked for rooms of residents who are housed in the Holiday Inn to be cleaned at least three times a week and for food there to be improved to meet all dietary needs. They also said staff should be briefed to treat every resident as they would any other guest.
