What happened

Bristol City Council decided to temporarily evacuate Barton House tower block on Tuesday 14 November 2023 due to concerns about the building's safety.

The evacuation was taken as a precaution to allow for further, more in depth surveys and a fuller analysis of the building's structure to take place.

The findings from these surveys gave us greater confidence in the building's safety measures. Some work also took place to make the block safe for the residents to return to.

We have completed the agreed work to make the building safe, in line with the indicative findings of our contractors, and are confident that the building is safe.

Residents returned to the building from 20 February 2024.

If you're a resident

Survey reports

The survey reports are now complete and available.

These reports, together with assurance from Avon Fire and Rescue Service and our thorough assessment of the report findings, confirm that Barton House is safe.

You can access a number of documents to help you understand the information available to us at the points of when decisions were made.

These documents include:

Versions of the Bristol City Council's summary report of investigations, findings, and actions are also available in:

Recommendations made within these reports have been followed.

All essential work to install a central fire alarm system has been completed.

All additional fireproof padding of existing steel supports in the building has also been successfully completed to an approved specification.

Following a review of these reports and the work carried out, Avon Fire & Rescue service advised: "with these measures now in place, Avon Fire & Rescue Service support the decision to allow residents to reoccupy Barton House, as the risks previously identified have been addressed, in line with the recommendations of the Fire Engineers reports."

Help and support

If you need additional support and help, call 0117 922 2200.

If there is a problem with your home or a communal area in your block, report it on our website.

If you're thinking about making a rehousing application, or wish to discuss an existing application, the HomeChoice Bristol team can help.