Hundreds of residents evacuated from Bristol’s oldest tower block

Hundreds of residents do not know when they will be allowed to return to their homes after structural issues meant an immediate evacuation of Bristol’s oldest tower block on Tuesday evening.

The evacuation followed a building survey at Barton House in Barton Hill which discovered that “in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, there is a risk to the structure of the block”.

Residents were told to leave Barton House between Marsh Lane and Cotton Mill Lane immediately and stay with friends and relatives.

If this was not possible, the cash hall at City Hall was opened as a place to stay overnight for anyone who had not been found a hotel room by the council’s housing team, with buses taking residents from Barton Hill to College Green.

Soon after 6pm, Barton House resident Shaban Ali tweeted: “Residents are in a state of shock, panic and disbelief. Not long after a hard fought battle to ensure the safety of buildings and work having been carried out on Barton House tower block we find out through WhatsApp groups and local journalists’ X accounts that we are being ordered to evacuate.

“Doesn’t come as a shock anymore but this is being handled so poorly with people who have been out of touch with the community for a very long time. Council says they only have accommodation, maybe hotels, for vulnerable residents. I hope but doubt the council has a list of them.

“Others will have to stay at the local mosque or find friends or family to stay with for a unknown period of time.”

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

A temporary rest centre was initially set up at the Tawfiq Masjid & Centre on Aiken Street, with beds, food and drink available.

Some residents were taken to the Wellspring Settlement on Ducie Road, where council staff were on hand to provide advice and support.

Cafe Conscious on Avondale Road was one business that opened late on Tuesday for hot drinks, lentil soup, toilets, and a place for residents and support staff to rest. Donations were also collected here to give to residents.

Bristol City Council declared a major incident, which enables it to receive aid from other local authorities and organisations.

A statement posted on the council’s website said that “tenant safety is the number one priority” for their 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 & 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:

• Entire floor of building to be demolished due to safety risks
• 11 things you probably didn’t know about Barton Hill
• Barton Hill community rallies together in wake of tower block fire

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