Barton House evacuation: information for residents.

Barton House evacuation

What happened

Bristol City Council decided to temporarily evacuate Barton House tower block on Tuesday 14 November.

Barton House has recently been subject to a survey to assess options for the future of the building due to its age and method of construction. The survey undertaken to 3 flats out of the 98 in the block indicate that in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, there's a risk to the structure of the block.

The evacuation is precautionary to allow for further, more in depth surveys, and a fuller analysis of the building's structure.
We know that this is a really worrying time for everyone affected, and we're working as quickly as we can to learn more about the issues with the structure and provide as much information as possible, as soon as we can.

Surveyors are carrying out detailed work in Barton House to confirm our earlier findings and to recommend what we should do next.

This does take some time to do, and we thank residents for their patience as we complete this as quickly as possible.

Most people have now moved out of Barton House and are either staying with friends or family or at the Holiday Inn, which we have provided for residents who can't.

If you're a resident

Survey results update

For the past three weeks, contractors have been carrying out detailed surveys of properties at Barton House.

It's likely we'll be able to share these results with you by the end of next week (week commencing 11 December).

How long you might be in temporary accommodation for

We do not know yet how long you will need to continue living away from your homes. This will depend on the work we're carrying out now.

We're taking an evidence-based approach to next steps and the next stage of surveying will determine what happens in respect to Barton House.

For those staying in hotels, if they're needed for longer we'll arrange this.

We're trying to arrange more suitable accommodation where you will be able to live more comfortably and cook.

Leaving Barton House

If you have not left Barton House, make arrangements to do so. You can speak to Housing Officers on site to arrange other temporary accommodation.

We need people to leave immediately so that we can carry out further checks.

We're making every effort to:

  • engage with remaining households
  • find new temporary accommodation that meets people's needs

Visiting Barton House

You can visit Barton House at any time during the day to collect belongings and essential items you may need, such as:

  • medicines
  • school books
  • mail and parcels

You will need to show your residents' fob to security as proof you live there.

Security stationed at Barton House will ask you to sign in and out whenever you visit your flat. This is a health and safety measure to make sure we know who's in the building in the case of an emergency.

There's now significant work going on at Barton House while we investigate the full condition of the building. If you're visiting your flat, follow the instructions of staff at the site to make sure you and others remain safe.

You must not move back in to your flat. Once you have what you need, you should return to your temporary accommodation.

At the moment your household goods can remain in your flat. If this changes, we will let you know.

Furniture removals at Barton House

We understand rumours are circulating that officers are removing possessions from flats.

We're speaking to several tenants about the need to empty their properties to conduct the new surveys on the building structure.

Those households have kindly agreed to have their possessions put into storage and help keep them safe from any damage during the work.

You may see a small amount of furniture and possessions being moved out of Barton House for these flats.
No possessions will be removed from other flats.

If any further surveys are needed in other flats, we will contact those tenants and ask for permission.

We will only move furniture if we have full approval and permission from residents.

Security

While we're carrying out investigatory work at Barton House, we've put in place additional security for the safety of residents (if they are visiting their flat) and their possessions.

Vulnerable people, disabled people or residents with significant health conditions

To make sure that residents are well supported through this time, we're working with:

  • our social care colleagues
  • NHS partners
  • local charities
  • community groups and faith groups

If you have an additional need that's not being met, let your Housing Officer know.

Help and support

Barton House

Housing Officers will be available:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 12pm
  • Saturday: 9am to 1:30pm 
  • Sunday: 9am to 5pm

Caretaking staff will be available from 7.30am to 4pm, although sometimes they may be out supporting residents around the site.

Holiday Inn (Bond Street)

Housing Officers will be available:

  • Monday to Friday: 12.30pm to 5pm 
  • Saturday: 9am to 2pm
  • Sunday: 9am to 12:30pm

Staff will be available during mealtimes throughout the week:

  • Breakfast: 7am to 10am
  • Lunch: 12.30pm to 5pm
  • Dinner: 6.30pm to 9pm

If you need help and can't get hold of a member of staff during the weekend, or at any time, please call 0800 694 0184. Housing Officers will be on-call and can be available quickly, if needed.

Signs

We've put up signs at Barton House and the Holiday Inn to let residents know where you can get the latest information and support.

We'll also have members of staff on hand to give you help and advice if it's needed, both at Barton House and at the Holiday Inn.

Help and support

If you need additional support and help, you can:

Staying at the Holiday Inn

Staff will be available during mealtimes throughout the week.

Meals

You should not return to Barton House to cook your meals.

If you're staying at the Holiday Inn you can get free meals at the following times:

  • Breakfast: 7am to 10am
  • Lunch: 12.30pm to 5pm
  • Dinner: 6.30pm to 9pm

The timings for meals have been changed to allow more time for people to get a hot meal and to make sure that children returning from school will be able to eat when they get back.

The Holiday Inn will share a meal plan for lunch and dinner. This is so you can see what food will be served at the hotel every day.

If you have any further feedback on the food served at the hotel, contact hotel management to let them know.

If your family has additional needs that we're not aware of, let us know. We will then contact the hotel and see what can be done.

If someone has needs which cannot be met, they can be referred to our social work team for further assessment and support. Email barton.house@bristol.gov.uk or  call 0800 694 0184.

Children's afternoon activities

There are now a series of children's activities taking place every afternoon at the Holiday Inn:

  • Monday to Friday: 3pm to 6pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 3pm to 7pm

The activities include crafts, storytelling, music therapy, poetry and games.

The drop-in sessions are run by Horn Youth Concern. You do not need to book.

Child supervision

We understand how difficult this time is for children and we want them to be safe while staying at Holiday Inn. 

Children and young people must be supervised if they're outside of their rooms. Be mindful of fellow residents and Holiday Inn guests and keep noise to a minimum. If you have any issues, speak to the Holiday Inn staff.

Children's stay and play mornings

Residents and children aged under 5 can play together at these sessions, Monday to Friday, between 10am and midday.
The sessions are run by Bristol City Council's Family Support team. You do not need to book.

Docklands Full Circle Project

A wide range of activities are currently run as part of the Full Circle Project. These include dance for children and teenagers, Women's Yoga, coffee mornings, fitness, basketball, and table tennis. Sessions are free for Barton House residents.

All activities take place at the Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Road, St Paul's. This is only a 10 minute walk away from the Holiday Inn.

You'll need to book a place in advance by emailing services@fullcircleproject.org.uk. Remember to tell them that you're a Barton House resident.

Baby feeding equipment

Food warming materials and sterilisers for baby feeding are now available in the dining hall.

Carpet cleaning

Thank you to those residents who raised concerns about the need for carpet cleaning in some rooms at the Holiday Inn. The carpets have now been cleaned.

Talk to your Housing Officer if you have an more issues.

Vacuum cleaners

An additional vacuum cleaner is kept on each floor next to security.

Prayer room

There's a prayer room at the Holiday Inn, it's next door to the children's play room.

Cleaning and laundry

Professional cleaning and housekeeping at the Holiday Inn take place once a week.

However, talk to a member of Holiday Inn staff if more frequent cleaning or housekeeping is needed for rooms, for example for:

  • spillages
  • extra bed sheets
  • soap or towels

The Holiday Inn offer washing services twice a week and can provide extra washing on request. The council will cover the costs of the service.

Healthcare needs

If you or your family members are feeling unwell and need medical advice, you should contact your local doctor in the normal way or call the NHS non-emergency line (111) for further advice.

As we go into winter, it's normal to see a rise in common infections and bugs like stomach illnesses, coughs, and colds. If you do feel ill, let hotel management know.

School meals and packed lunches

School meals are being offered to children and packed lunches can also be made available.

If you need these, speak to your Housing Officer, email barton.house@bristol.gov.uk or call the helpline on 0800 694 0184.

Parking

If you're staying at the Holiday Inn, parking is free of charge if you park at the hotel itself.

If you park somewhere else, you can get your money back but you will need to provide receipts to one of our Housing Officers.

Free taxi service

We're offering a free taxi service to essential locations like:

  • school
  • work
  • medical appointments
  • visiting Barton House to collect essential items

If you need a taxi, call 0800 694 0184 and tell them you need a taxi.

Stay informed

If you're a resident of Barton House, let us know the best way you would like us to keep you updated by speaking to a Bristol City Council Housing Officer.

We're currently sending updates by:

  • text
  • email
  • letters in English and other languages
  • meeting in person

We will continue to talk with residents over coming days through all methods available to us.

For those residents who have provided phone numbers and email addresses to Housing Officers, we will be providing regular updates.

If you've not managed to speak with a Housing Officer and provided contact details, make sure that we have these so that we can contact you directly.

You can also provide details by emailing barton.house@bristol.gov.uk or calling 0800 694 0184 free of charge.

Paying rent

Following consideration of the impact on residents and with reference to our own policy and national guidance, tenants will continue to be charged rent to maintain our contractual relationship with you as a tenant.

If we were to stop charging rent, any tenant of Barton House in receipt of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit would see those benefits needing to be recalculated.

If you're having difficulty paying your rent, speak to your Income Officer who can help you with relevant support and discuss your options.

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service (WRAMAS) can provide telephone advice relating to disability and carers' benefits and Universal Credit: call 0117 35 21888 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-1pm speak to independent advice agencies through www.acfa.org.uk.

We'll make sure you're supported with free temporary accommodation, meals and transport as needed.

Insurance

We would not expect your normal home insurance to be affected by this incident, but because this is an arrangement between you and your insurer we cannot say for certain.

Alternative accommodation is usually covered by buildings insurance.

You may wish to speak with your insurance company if you have any questions or concerns. If this raises any issues, ask your Housing Officer for further advice.

Pets

We understand how concerning it can be to be separated from your pet. Talk to your Housing Officer about your own circumstances.

You can visit your home to feed your pet.

We'd encourage you to ask friends or family members to care for pets, where this is possible.

Unfortunately pets cannot be brought in to the Holiday Inn. Talk to your Housing Officer who will be able to help you further.

Letters to residents

We're aware of the anxiety and distress this evacuation is causing and will do our best to keep all residents up to date.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our teams will do all they can to help you, and we will keep working hard to make things better. 

Letters to residents

Activities 

Previous letters to residents

Tuesday 5 December

Friday 1 December

Thursday 30 November

Wednesday 29 November

Tuesday 28 November

Monday 27 November

Friday 24 November

Thursday 23 November

Wednesday 22 November

Tuesday 21 November

Monday 20 November

Sunday 19 November

Afternoon

Morning

Friday 17 November

Afternoon

Morning

Thursday 16 November

Wednesday 15 November

We'll update this page with more information as it becomes available.

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