Residents at Barton House in Bristol were evacuated in November due to safety concerns, and although many tenants have returned, they fear the tower block is still unsafe. Concerns about the building’s safety were first raised in 2017, and residents feel that promises and communication from authorities have been lacking. Some tenants still feel terrified that the tower block could collapse, and there is a lack of trust in the council’s handling of the situation, with unanswered Freedom of Information requests exacerbating the issue. While reports suggest that most tenants have moved back in, some residents feel that they need more support in seeking alternative housing options. Bristol City Council maintains that resident safety has always been a top priority, with new safety measures put in place.
Despite the council’s assurances, tenant Shaban Ali has moved back to Barton House but lives in fear, expressing disappointment with the lack of response from various organizations supporting the residents. Residents like Shaban feel that the council has not been transparent or forthcoming with information about the building’s safety. Concerns have been raised about the council’s instructions to an engineering firm not to engage with residents, further deepening the distrust among tenants. Some residents, like Yousif Ahmed and Wilfred Stewart, continue to feel anxious and fearful about the building’s structural integrity, with Yousif even mapping out an escape plan. These experiences have led residents to call for a housing emergency declaration and intervention from the central government to support high-rise tower residents that have been overlooked for too long.
The council has defended its actions, stating that safety measures, including a centralized fire alarm system and fireproofing of the building’s steel frame, have been implemented. They claim to have followed all recommendations from survey reports before allowing residents to return. The council acknowledges the difficult situation the residents have faced, with officers providing support throughout the process. They also highlight the availability of culturally intelligent advice and support for mental health from local organizations, acknowledging the diversity of the Barton House community. However, demand for council housing in Bristol is high, leading to challenges in accommodating everyone in their desired housing situation. The council is working to build new homes, invest in existing stock, and address safety concerns effectively.
Residents like Shaban Ali continue to express dissatisfaction with the council’s response, feeling that their concerns have been dismissed and their trust eroded. Despite the council’s claims of routine checks on the building and no cause for concern, residents remain apprehensive about the safety of Barton House. There is a call for more individualized support for vulnerable and voiceless residents, as well as a broader intervention to address the housing crisis. The situation at Barton House reflects broader challenges with high-rise housing and the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.Residents at Barton House in Bristol were evacuated in November due to safety concerns, and although many tenants have returned, they fear the tower block is still unsafe. Concerns about the building’s safety were first raised in 2017, and residents feel that promises and communication from authorities have been lacking. Some tenants still feel terrified that the tower block could collapse, and there is a lack of trust in the council’s handling of the situation, with unanswered Freedom of Information requests exacerbating the issue. While reports suggest that most tenants have moved back in, some residents feel that they need more support in seeking alternative housing options. Bristol City Council maintains that resident safety has always been a top priority, with new safety measures put in place.
Despite the council’s assurances, tenant Shaban Ali has moved back to Barton House but lives in fear, expressing disappointment with the lack of response from various organizations supporting the residents. Residents like Shaban feel that the council has not been transparent or forthcoming with information about the building’s safety. Concerns have been raised about the council’s instructions to an engineering firm not to engage with residents, further deepening the distrust among tenants. Some residents, like Yousif Ahmed and Wilfred Stewart, continue to feel anxious and fearful about the building’s structural integrity, with Yousif even mapping out an escape plan. These experiences have led residents to call for a housing emergency declaration and intervention from the central government to support high-rise tower residents that have been overlooked for too long.
The council has defended its actions, stating that safety measures, including a centralized fire alarm system and fireproofing of the building’s steel frame, have been implemented. They claim to have followed all recommendations from survey reports before allowing residents to return. The council acknowledges the difficult situation the residents have faced, with officers providing support throughout the process. They also highlight the availability of culturally intelligent advice and support for mental health from local organizations, acknowledging the diversity of the Barton House community. However, demand for council housing in Bristol is high, leading to challenges in accommodating everyone in their desired housing situation. The council is working to build new homes, invest in existing stock, and address safety concerns effectively.
Residents like Shaban Ali continue to express dissatisfaction with the council’s response, feeling that their concerns have been dismissed and their trust eroded. Despite the council’s claims of routine checks on the building and no cause for concern, residents remain apprehensive about the safety of Barton House. There is a call for more individualized support for vulnerable and voiceless residents, as well as a broader intervention to address the housing crisis. The situation at Barton House reflects broader challenges with high-rise housing and the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
