Ellie Ames 15 November 2023

Tower block evacuated over structural concerns

Tenants were evacuated from a tower block in Bristol yesterday after a survey found there is a risk to the building’s structure.

Bristol City Council said surveys on three of the 98 flats within Barton House indicated that there would be a risk ‘in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact’.

The local authority added that there was ‘no evidence of immediate risk to health and life’ and said residents were asked to leave as a precautionary measure.

About 400 tenants were advised to stay with friends and relatives or go to a temporary rest centre set up by the council. Bristol said the time of their return would depend on further survey work.

Construction on Barton House was completed in 1958, making the tower block the oldest in Bristol council’s housing estate.

The council said the block’s age and design made it unique and added: ‘there is currently no evidence to suggest the issues identified within Barton House are present elsewhere’.

#Housing #Safety

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