Fear and uncertainty in wake of sudden evacuation of Barton House

Karimima Meriai was in the middle of cooking dinner for her family when she got the call telling her to leave her home immediately.

The mum-of-two was one of hundreds of residents of Barton House who received the news on Tuesday evening that they needed to evacuate the tower block due to structural issues, with no certainty yet of when or if they will be able to return.

“I couldn’t sleep. Even if I was safe, we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Karimima tells Bristol24/7, returning to her home to get some clothes for her children.

“We are safe for now, but for how many days? Will they say there’s not enough money for us to stay in a hotel? We don’t know what happened or what will happen tomorrow.”

Karimima says her children were left scared and crying by being suddenly uprooted from their home with just enough stuff for one night.

The family were put in a hotel on Tuesday night but she says residents have been given very little information about what’s going on, whether or not they will be able to return home and where to go for support.

As she speaks, Karimima gets a call from her children’s school to check in and see what she needs by way of support. It’s indicative of a community that has rallied to help people in their hour of need.

People helping in Cafe Conscious say they need guidance on what residents need so they can coordinate efforts – photo: Ellie Pipe

Over in Cafe Conscious, on Avonvale Road, just a stone’s throw from Barton House, the outpouring of generosity and support is clear to see. Sapna Boden, who works for Mothers for Mothers and took the day off to help, says they have been inundated with offers of help but that it is currently unclear what people really need.

She says guidance from the council is needed so that a coordinated effort can ensure the right items get to people who need them and requests for donations can go out.

In the meantime, the Barton Hill community is working to ensure people are provided for with emergency provisions. Members of Tawfiq Masjid and Centre provided meals for many residents displaced on Tuesday night and Cafe Conscious remained open throughout Wednesday.

Yassin Mohamud, a Green councillor for Lawrence Hill, says most people had somewhere safe to go on Tuesday night – photo: Ellie Pipe

Yassin Mohamud, a Green councillor for Lawrence Hill ward where Barton House is based, says there was a huge effort to ensure people got to safety on Tuesday from community leaders, councillors, emergency services, community groups and residents.

“As soon as we heard about the emergency evacuation, we started door knocking residents,” he tells Bristol24/7.

“Since one o’clock this morning, we have managed to rehouse most residents, especially the families. Some of them in hotels and some at City Hall.”

In a statement Bristol City Council said: “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. 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.”

The statement continued: “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.

“Officers have updated Avon Fire & 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: Ellie Pipe

Read next:

• Hundreds of residents evacuated from Bristol’s oldest tower block 
• Barton House residents ‘in a state of shock, panic and disbelief’ 
• Campaigners celebrate new fire safety measures following Twinnell House fire 

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