Barton House residents warned of legionella risk
A council spokesperson says it only applies to flats left empty
Residents of a Bristol tower block evacuated a month ago over safety fears, are now being warned there could be dangerous bacteria in the water supply.
Around 400 people were told to leave Barton House on 14 November after surveys found structural issues that could cause the building to collapse if there was a fire, explosion or similar incident.
Ever since most have been living in hotels or with friends and family, with just a few refusing to leave.
Now though, those who have stayed or who decide to return, are being warned there is a risk of legionella in the water.
Signs have appeared inside the block that read: "Do not run the water in your flat."
"The council needs to test your water for legionella bacteria before you can run the water," it says.
"Do not turn the taps on, or run the shower or bath."
It comes as residents are becoming increasingly frustrated at what they perceive to be a lack of communication around when, if ever, they might be able to officially return home.
When the evacuation was first ordered it was suggested it may only last a couple of days, but four weeks on there is still no set end date, with Bristol City Council continuing to conduct more intrusive surveys on the building.
On Tuesday (12 December) several residents and members of the housing union ACORN disrupted a full council meeting to shout at Mayor Marvin Rees and demand answers to their questions, only leaving when it was suggested the police had been called.
A City Council spokesperson tells us residents who have remained in the block should not be alarmed by the new signage.
The risk, we're told, only applies to flats which have sat empty since the evacuation and where the water supply has therefore not been used since.
Tests are being carried out in the unoccupied flats.
The signs, we're told, have been put up largely in case anyone was deciding to move back in, to warn them of the risk in properties that have been empty for several weeks.
Letters have been sent out to residents explaining the situation, however, the relationship between many of them and the leadership of Bristol city Council has become so poor that any call not to be alarmed may fall on deaf ears.