Hundreds evacuated from city tower block due to 'serious' structural issue

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from a city tower block due to a 'serious' structural issue.

Around 400 people and kids were told to leave Barton House in Bristol immediately on Monday after the issue was discovered.

It is understood the issue at the building, which contains 98 flats, was related to fire safety.

Those affected spent the night with family, friends or at rest centres with a bag of clothes.

Emad Mukhtar, 50, said: “They told us it is not safe to stay there.

''We got a knock on the door from a community worker, nobody from the council or the police came to speak to us.

“I don’t know where I am going to go, they haven’t told us anything. The only thing we know is that it is not safe to stay in the building.

“It is bad, the kids are panicking, we have been waiting outside for two hours and still no news.”

A resident who wanted to remain anonymous said: “We have had a terrible experience today, we have no idea what is going on.

“We came home and everyone was standing outside. I have a baby, it is very difficult for me.

“I have no idea where I am going to go, they are telling us to go to the Mosque so I have no idea where I am doing to end up.”

Adrian Siera, 48, who has lived in the building for 22 years said: “I found out there was something wrong when I came back from work.

“There has been no information from Bristol Council which I think is absolutely disgusting.

“I have to go to work, I don’t know if I can go to work tomorrow or the next day – I am going to lose money.

“It is a complete mess to be honest with you, I have been told to go to the local wellsprings centre and take it from there.

“I have a cat, I have a partner that is getting stressed out, we just don’t know what is going to happen.

“I am angry, I am fuming, I don’t know when we are allowed back in. I read a story that they notified us, it is rubbish.”

Resident Nuh Sharif told the BBC: ''I am worried where they are going to stay. How am I going to get them to school?''

Dad Yousif Ahmed said: "They have just suddenly come knocking on the door saying you have to leave."

Another resident said: ''I've just got to go now and get some clothes and things. I was speaking to a friend of mine in there and she has nowhere to go.''

Sheila Barrett told the BBC: ''I have lived here for 50 years. I thought it was something to do with cladding, but have been told it is structural.''

A council statement said: “The length of this temporary arrangement is dependent on a further survey of the building, which is being arranged to happen as soon as possible. All tenants will be kept regularly informed of progress and any updates on support arrangements.”

Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have been liaising with Bristol City Council following a recent building survey conducted on Barton House.

''As a precautionary measure and to allow for further, more in depth surveys, residents in the block are being asked to leave immediately.

''We are in support of this to ensure that residents are kept safe."

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said on X, formerly twitter: "I'm pleased that the evacuation of residents is underway - we will continue to look after everyone while carrying out a full survey of Barton House The safety of Bristol residents is our highest priority."