Barton House residents will be allowed to move back into building

Residents who were evacuated from a tower block in Bristol have been told that they will be allowed to move back into the building, but not immediately.   

Barton House residents were told during a meeting at City Hall that they will be able to return to the building in Barton Hill, after "essential work" has been carried out.   

Around 400 tenants were evacuated from Barton House due to safety issues last month, with many currently staying in a Holiday Inn. 

The evacuation came after surveys showed three flats out of 98 in Barton House, which was built in 1958, were structurally compromised. 

But the council has said further surveys have shown “issues suggested by earlier surveys are not present throughout the whole building". 

Residents will be allowed to move back into their homes in the medium-term, it is understood, and not this side of the New Year. 

The full extend of the work required will be determined by a final report from contractors and a new fire alarm system will need to be fitted, which is estimated to take two months.

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said: "I want to thank Barton House tenants for their patience and resilience. We recognise the extremely difficult month that they have had and the toll taken on individuals and families. 

Throughout this period we've taken many steps to try and ease the challenges they face and remain ever grateful to them for allowing us the time and space needed to support them and get on with our vital work in Barton House.

"Unfortunately, we are not in a position to confirm a return date yet, but sadly we know it will not be safe for residents to return before Christmas and the New Year. Our top priority is to ensure residents' safety.

“With the new surveys taking the time to go deeper and further into the block than previous surveys, a picture is beginning to emerge that suggests the safety measures the block was designed with are in place. This was previously in serious doubt. 

“While this gives us hope that the building's structure is well protected, there is still work to do to make sure the building is safe for people to live in.

"We ask residents to continue to stay away from Barton House while we undertake these essential works and the mandatory legionella testing that must be carried out."

Residents have been told they will be updated again on January 8.