"Failures at every level of government" led to Barton House evacuation
The Fire Brigades Union says the evacuation of Barton House is another example of "communities being failed" on housing
The Fire Brigades Union, which represents firefighters across the UK, says "failures at every level of government" led to the evacuation of Bristol tower block Barton House.
Around 400 residents living in the City Council owned building were told they must leave last week (Tuesday 14 November) after surveys found serious structural issues meaning a fire, explosion or similar incident could cause the building to collapse.
A week on it is still not known when, if ever, residents will be able to return.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: “It is now clear that the residents of Barton House will suffer serious disruption for weeks to come.
"No one should have to worry about whether their home might collapse in the event of a fire.
“The crisis in building safety has been caused by failures at every level of government, and a lack of regulation and enforcement.
"This is yet another example of communities being failed and lives being put at risk.
“Decision-makers at every level of government must listen to residents.
"We need urgent action from central government to ensure all tower blocks and housing are fit for purpose."
Barton House was built with large panel system (LPS) construction, which has been known as potentially dangerous ever since a gas explosion at Ronan Point tower in east London in 1968 led to its partial collapse, killing four people.
Regarding Barton House, there are no records of any structural surveys having been carried out on the building between the 1970s and at least 2018 despite that fact.
Recent reports suggest the government wrote to all local authorities including Bristol City Council in 2017, suggesting buildings built in the LPS style be checked.
"Concerns have been repeatedly raised that these potentially catastrophic building safety risks have not been properly addressed by Westminster," a statement from the FBU reads.
Hits Radio has contacted both the government and Bristol City Council for a response.
It comes as Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees says the views of housing union Acorn on the block are "irrelevant".