Barton House: Residents told they may not be back in their homes for ‘two to three weeks’

Residents of Barton House in Bristol have been told they won’t be able to return to their homes for 'two to three weeks'.

An update from Bristol City Council says officers are ‘working hard to identify more suitable temporary accommodation’ for the residents as survey work continues on the tower block, which was evacuated due to safety concerns about the 1950s-built building.

The council also says that to support contractors carrying out ‘vital’ survey work, two shipping containers have been moved onto the Barton House site. These are for the storage of 'necessary equipment' and will remain in place whilst survey work is carried out.

Signage has been placed around the block to notify residents that the block has been evacuated and closed due to the ongoing ‘major incident’ declared.

Access remains in place for residents needing to gather essential items to support their stay in hotels or with friends and family.

But the council update also reveals that some residents have concerns about access to food, laundry services and concern for pets. 

A spokesperson said: “We have had positive discussions with providers and encouraging resident feedback about improvements to food provision. We remain in constant contact with hotel management and affected residents to find solutions and will continue to listen to feedback to act on concerns.

“Officers are working hard to identify more suitable temporary accommodation, and Housing Officers will remain in contact with residents to discuss individual circumstances."

Throughout the past week, officers have been supporting residents to leave Barton House and move into temporary, hotel accommodation or to stay with friends and families.