Barton House residents to move back by 5pm tomorrow
Bristol City Council only informed they can return to the evacuated tower block on Monday
Bristol City Council have confirmed residents of the evacuated tower block, Barton House, have until tomorrow (23 February) to move back into their homes.
They told residents only earlier this week that they could return, however, to those who have been living in hotels since it was condemned back in November, that's brought mixed emotions to residents.
We heard from resident on Tuesday.
Fardus Aisman who lives inside told us: "I'm not feeling safe, absolutely.
"I don't want to move back, I don't know what I can do, just stay at my mum's house?
"The council say you have to return (and) if you don't return, you make yourself homeless."
Yousif Ahmed also lives in the block with his young children.
"In one way, we're happy to come back, but in another way, we don't feel safe to stay with the kids," he said.
"Sometimes they say there's some problem with the concrete on the flat and sometimes they say, no, it's safe.
"We absolutely don't feel that it's safe."
Yousif added however that he had his family will be moving back in.
"We have no choice," he said.
Both, the city council and the fire service have confirmed that the site is safe to return to, though, with residents reassured there will be trade staff still on-site as ongoing general repair works continue.
A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “Following the completion of the survey reports and our thorough assessment of the report findings, along with assurances from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, we have confirmed with tenants that Barton House is safe for them to now return.
“Essential works are complete and we are making arrangements for tenants to visit their flats to familiarise themselves with the newly installed central fire alarm system, ahead of moving back home this week. Housing officers will be on hand to provide support and information throughout the visits and tenants’ return to the block which has already begun.
“We thank Barton House tenants for their continued patience and resilience during the last few difficult months and would also like to extend our thanks to everyone who has provided help and support to the tenants during this time.”
Bristol City Council says residents can find many documents via this link that prove the building is safe.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service also say they support the decision to allow residents to return.
Advice and support are available for tenants who already have a HomeChoice application – they should email barton.house@bristol.gov.uk or speak to their Housing Officer.
Anyone who hasn’t started their HomeChoice application yet, or would like help to complete an online application, should contact the We are Bristol helpline on 0800 694 0184 to arrange support.
Taxis continue to be available to tenants to move their belongings back to Barton House until Sunday 25 February.
Read more: Relief, anxiety & uncertainty as Barton House residents told to return