Residents who were forced to evacuate Bristol's Barton House tower block in November 2023 have expressed profound dissatisfaction with a recently published independent review into the incident. Many of the 400-plus residents, who returned to the building in February 2024, feel the report fails to address their core concerns and have reiterated their calls for the building to be demolished.
The council-commissioned review, published this week by Altair, concluded that the evacuation was both 'appropriate and justified' but acknowledged it caused 'avoidable harm'. It also identified that the 'severe disruption' and handling of the situation resulted in 'long-lasting harm' and 'significantly damaged' trust in Bristol City Council, primarily due to 'delayed and unclear' communication surrounding the decision to evacuate the structurally unsafe building.
However, campaigners and residents, including Fadumo Farah, have described the report as 'not for us', arguing it provides 'no accountability' and does not answer crucial questions about Barton House's future. Ms Farah, who was instrumental in pushing for the review, expressed her disappointment, stating that many residents, particularly children, are still grappling with mental health impacts and do not feel safe living in the building. She, along with other residents like Nuh Sharif and Jama Hussein, believes the tower should be demolished and its occupants rehoused.
Bristol City Council's housing chief, Barry Parsons, acknowledged the difficulty of a meeting held to present the report to residents, admitting there is considerable work ahead. He stated the council is 'determined to do right by the people of Barton House' and is committed to changing the council's culture to prioritise residents' safety and wellbeing. Mr Parsons also affirmed that any decisions regarding the future of Barton House, including potential demolition, must be made in collaboration with its residents, recognising it as their home.
The independent review made several recommendations aimed at improving how the council manages its social housing and enhances communication during major incidents. It also stressed the importance of the authority working directly with residents to determine the future of the building. This report follows a previous one from health justice campaign group Medact last year, which characterised the evacuation as a 'mass-traumatising event', underscoring the deep impact on the community.