Barton House: Evacuated residents can return home after council declares Bristol tower block ‘safe’

Residents of a Bristol tower block are now able to return to their homes after the council declared the building ‘safe’. 

Bristol Council Council says survey reports and assurance from Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirm Barton House in Barton Hill is safe to live in again.

The block of flats was evacuated on November 14 over safety issues, displacing some 400 tenants.

The council has now published survey reports from Ridge and Partners LLP and Arup alongside additional information from its contractors.

A spokesperson said: “These reports demonstrate the findings as relayed to residents in meetings at City Hall in December 2023 and January 2024.

"As previously confirmed, safety measures designed to be in place to support the structure of Barton House are in place."

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The spokesperson added: "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.

"Flats unoccupied since the evacuation of residents in November 2023 were also subject to a legionella testing regime following advice from health and safety officers.

"Housing officers will advise residents when all tests have been satisfactorily completed for their flat."

Since the evacuation, many residents have been living in a Holiday Inn in the city centre, with some complaining about the conditions. 

Acorn Bristol have also held protests regarding the treatment of Barton House residents, with some having expressed fear about moving back into the building.