News / Barton House
Fears of traumatised residents about moving back to Barton House
The trauma triggered by the sudden evacuation of Barton House and residents’ imminent return has been laid bare by a headteacher.
Writing to Bristol City Council, Vanetta Spence expressed “deep concerns” about the move back to the tower block, saying the “devastating event” that has seen hundreds displaced from their home has had a “significant impact” on students affected.
The headteacher of Montpelier High School says the return to the building, which was evacuated in November due to serious safety issues, is a source of “immense concern for students”. Spence added that “the lack of assurances regarding the safety of the building and the looming risk of collapse weigh heavily on their minds”.
is needed now More than ever
Residents, most of whom have been living in a hotel or with family for the last four months, were told this week they would soon be able to return to the tower block following the publication of a report confirming the building is safe.
The council’s summary report outlines remedial works that include the installation of a central fire alarm system and additional fireproof padding of existing steel supports in certain areas of the building.
It concludes that in the wake of reports – and with the agreement of Avon Fire & Rescue Service – the council has “sufficient confidence to begin the process of supporting residents back home safely”.
The Ridge structural robustness assessment suggested that “the building is at relatively low risk of disproportionate collapse and therefore Barton House would behave adequately during an accidental event”.
But a number of residents have raised concerns about moving back into the tower block, saying they are traumatised by the whole experience and don’t have faith in the building’s safety.
Some have been critical of the council’s communication throughout, and have staged a number of protests to make their voices heard.
Shaban Ali, a resident and member of housing campaign group ACORN Bristol, was damning about the council’s treatment of those, especially children, affected by the Barton House crisis.
“As families struggle with inadequate housing, facing issues like overcrowding, mould, dampness and disrepair, the impact on children’s wellbeing is profound,” Ali told Bristol24/7.
“With the specter of antisocial behavior and violence looming large, these children are left to navigate a precarious existence, their futures hanging in the balance.
“It’s time for the council to prioritise these vulnerable children, to provide them with safe and dignified living conditions, and to recognise their right to a brighter future free from the burdens of neglect. Same goes for community organisations, they also have a duty of care and need to speak up for these said children in these parts of Bristol.”
In an update on Monday, the council thanked residents for their patience and co-operation and confirmed safety measures are now in place in Barton House.
The statement said: “We confirmed that the recommendations made within these reports have been followed. All essential work to install a central fire alarm system is now complete. All additional fireproof padding of steel supports in the building has also been successfully completed to an approved specification.”
The trauma triggered by the sudden evacuation of Barton House and residents’ imminent return has been laid bare by a headteacher – photo: Ellie Pipe
In her letter, Spence says: “The abrupt nature of the evacuation, coupled with the lack of notice, has resulted in high levels of anxiety and emotional distress among our students.
“The students were forced to leave Barton House without their uniforms, books, and personal items, exacerbating the already challenging situation. For Year 11 students, this evacuation occurred at a critical time as they were on the brink of sitting their mock examinations. The disruption to their routine and the absence of essential materials have had a profound effect on their academic performance, with grades plummeting and affecting their future trajectories after school.
“Moreover, the return to Barton House is a source of immense concern for our students. The lack of assurances regarding the safety of the building and the looming risk of collapse weigh heavily on their minds. They are confused and distressed by the inadequate information shared with their families, fostering worries about potential harm upon their return.”
It adds: “Our city’s children are of utmost importance to all of us and we hope that this letter sheds light on the trauma responses triggered by this devastating event.
“We urge the Bristol City Council to prioritise the wellbeing and safety of these students and to work towards establishing clearer communication channels with the affected residents.”
Bristol City Council has been contacted for comment.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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