Barton House residents told they can return home

Barton House was declared unsafe by the council and an emergency evacuation was carried out

Residents of an evacuated tower block have been told by the council they can move back into their homes.

More than 250 adults and children were forced to leave Barton House on 14 November after Bristol City Council declared a major incident.

Detailed survey reports now confirm the central fire alarm system and fireproof padding follow safety specifications.

All residents currently staying at the Holiday Inn will need to leave the hotel by 17:00 GMT on 23 February.

Initial building surveys carried out on the council-owned building in November showed the tower block would be unsafe in the event of a fire or explosion, which prompted the evacuation.

Surveys of three flats out of the 98 indicated Barton House was not constructed in line with its design in 1958.

Bristol City Council said the evacuation was "precautionary" to allow for further, in depth surveys and an analysis of the building's structure, which has now been completed.

Barton House in Bristol was built in 1958

More than three months later, building survey reports from Ridge and Partners LLP and Arup, together with assurance from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, confirm that Barton House is now safe for residents to return.

"With these measures now in place, Avon Fire and Rescue Service supports the decision to allow residents to reoccupy Barton House," a spokesperson for the rescue service said.

"The risks previously identified have been addressed in line with the recommendations of the Fire Engineers reports," they added.

Following advice from health and safety officers, flats that have been left unoccupied since the evacuation were also subject to a legionella testing regime to test for harmful bacteria in the water.

All residents can now expect to be contacted by the council's housing team to arrange a visit to their flat over the next three days in advance of moving back in.

The council has also advised residents that during this pre-return visit, a test of the fire alarm will sound between 10:00 GMT and 14:00 GMT on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Fardus Aisman said her family is "scared" to go back to Barton House

However, some residents of Barton House fear returning to the tower block over structural safety concerns.

Fardus Aisman has lived in the building for four years with her two young children.

The family is currently staying in her mother's living room, only returning to the building to do their washing.

"I am not feeling safe here. I don't want to go back," she said.

"When I go inside my house, my whole body is shaking, that's why I can't return here. My small daughter as well, she's scared when she comes back. She cries," added Ms Aisman.

The council has previously told tenants if they choose not to return to the building, it will be unable to look after them any further.

"I'm so stressed. I don't know what I'm going to do now. It's just shocking," said Ms Aisman.

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