Barton House: Bristol residents will not be home by Christmas

Barton House was declared unsafe by Bristol City Council in November

Tower block residents who were forced to leave their homes will be able to return - but not until after Christmas.

More than 250 Barton House council tenants had to leave their homes on 14 November over safety fears.

But a new report shows issues were only present in some parts of the building, however "essential work" must be completed before residents can return.

Bristol City Council said the full extent of the work required and a return date has yet to be determined.

In an update meeting with the residents, Bristol's Mayor Marvin Rees explained officers are still waiting for a final report from contractors that will make recommendations for measures that need to be put in place before anyone can return.

He also said a new communal fire alarm system will be required which could take two months to install - meaning residents may not be able to move back home until March.

"I want to thank Barton House tenants for their patience and resilience," said Mr Rees.

"We can't roll the dice and take chances with people's lives. We'll make a decision in line with the evidence available."

He said it was "not going to be a quick return" and "the challenge will continue".

"We recognise the extremely difficult month that they have had and the toll taken on individuals and families," he added.

In November, Bristol City Council said surveys had shown three flats out of 98 in Barton House, which was built in 1958, were structurally compromised.

It said concrete had not been attached properly when the tower was built, and added the block was not constructed according to design plans.

Mr Siera said there should have been annual checks on the building's safety

Since the discovery, a small number of tenants have been living in Barton House, whilst the rest have been staying in a Holiday Inn in Bristol's city centre or with friends or family.

Adrian Siera, 48, did not move out of his flat during the evacuation and said he feels "half and half" about the news.

"At least now I can feel a bit more alright," he said.

"I'm just getting on with it but I think it could have been done better, there should have been regular annual checks on the building."

Ms Barrett said leaving her home has been "disruptive" and stressful

Sheila Barrett, 85, has lived in her flat for 50 years and said it has been "quite upsetting thinking about having to move".

"It's been quite disrupting. I really didn't want to move from there," she said.

Shaban Ali, 36, is a resident and member of the community group Acorn and said he is now "even more confused" by the news.

"Again were just left in more limbo until we find out information from the final report," he said.

Mr Ali said residents will be left in "more limbo"

"I do want some guarantees.

"I know a lot of parents do not want to go back because of trauma, bad experiences generally due to overcrowding and the upkeep of the building."

The father-of-two also said the council needs to make sure those tenants will not be at risk of being made voluntarily homeless.

Residents have been informed tests for legionella in the water systems of flats that have been unoccupied, will be carried out in the meantime.

High Rise Housing: Forced to Leave

If you want to find out more about the Bristol tower block residents evacuated from their homes due to safety concerns watch 'High Rise Housing: Forced to Leave' now on BBC iPlayer (UK only).