Concerns regarding the potential collapse of a Bristol tower block were reportedly disregarded for more than a year, an inquiry has found. This critical oversight stemmed from typographical errors within an expert report, leading council staff to question its authenticity rather than escalate its severe warnings.
Approximately 400 residents of Barton House, a council-owned property in Bristol, were evacuated in November 2023 following surveys that confirmed the building's structural instability in the event of a fire, explosion, or significant impact. However, a report received by Bristol City Council in July 2022 from property consultancy Ridge had already highlighted these risks, specifically warning of 'disproportionate collapse in the event of an internal gas explosion'.
The inquiry revealed that this vital 29-page report was not escalated to senior council leaders for 16 months. The primary reason for this delay was the inclusion of multiple errors, such as incorrectly naming the building 'Barnet House', which led council staff to doubt its credibility. Serious safety issues only resurfaced in September 2023 when officers rediscovered the report while considering future options for the building.
Subsequently, the council commissioned another consultancy, Arup, to review Ridge's findings. Arup confirmed the severe safety risks by November 2023, directly leading to the immediate evacuation of all residents. The inquiry highlighted 'poor engagement' by council staff with Ridge in understanding the risks and a complete absence of risk assessments after the initial warning.
Councillor Rob Logan, a Labour councillor, described the delay in communicating the Ridge report to chief officers as 'striking'. He emphasised the critical importance of escalating 'bad news' in any service, particularly those dealing with property risks. The housing property division was found to have a 'lack of focus and competence', allegedly prioritising redevelopment over tenant safety. Residents, including former tenant Fadumo Farah, expressed outrage, stating the council 'put our lives at risk' by withholding information about the building's unsafe condition.