Council admits more families are moving back into Barton House

The number of flats now occupied in Barton[1] House has risen to 14. The increase in families living in the evacuated building deemed too unsafe to live in comes as attempts were made to move residents staying at other hotels into the Holiday Inn. Some residents who have been living in the hotel for over a week marched into City Hall with a number of complaints about the Holiday Inn.

The council says that ‘at present’ it has found ‘no evidence’ of rumours circulating relating to bedbugs and claims of food poisoning. Fadomu Farah, who had been staying at the Clayton Hotel, decided last night to refuse the council’s attempts to move with her two children into the Holiday Inn and is now back living at Barton House. She said it was a difficult decision to make.

“I’m working and I’m a full-time student. I haven’t been able to go to work and I need to get back to work because it costs a lot to stay there. We spoke to other guests at the Clayton and none of them wanted to go to the Holiday Inn,” she said.

Ms Farah joined an ACORN meeting with Barton House residents yesterday where she met another woman who had moved back into Barton House.

Barton House residents demonstrate at City Hall (Image: Bristol Live)

Following the decision to move residents from the Leonardo and Clayton hotels in the past few days, there are now 67 households staying at the Holiday Inn. The council has confirmed that 13 households are staying with friends and family and 14 flats in Barton House are occupied. There are an additional four flats that are unaccounted for in these figures because they were empty.

The council was aware of two of these, but only recently discovered the other two.

Mayor Marvin Rees at the Holiday Inn in Bristol, after meeting with some of the residents evacuated from Barton House (Image: Bristol Live)

Following the evacuation of 400 residents on Tuesday, November 14, initially there were six households who refused to leave. Residents have reported that some of their reasons for remaining in the building were health related and due to not having anywhere else to go with their pets. By the weekend this figure had increased to 10 but the council said the four additional households were all residents who had not been present at the time of the evacuation

When questioned about the increase in numbers today, a council spokesperson said that there are at least two families who had returned from hotels but did not provide any further detail.

Bristol City Council’s full statement

A spokesperson said: “A week since the start of the evacuation of Barton House on Tuesday November 14, residents who were residing in temporary hotel accommodation in Leonardo Hotel and Clayton Hotel have been supported to move into the Holiday Inn (Bond St). The stress of the situation and the individual challenges households are facing are recognised. We’re grateful to all residents for continuing to work with us during this difficult time.

“Council officers remain at the Holiday Inn to provide support for households and respond to any concerns or issues raised by residents. We are aware that some rumours have been circulating relating to bedbugs and claims of food poisoning. “Concerns are investigated as they arise and at present no evidence has been found to confirm these claims.

Residents are being asked to raise concerns with hotel staff or housing officers so these can be investigated quickly, and issues responded without delay. Residents have been advised to seek appropriate medical advice via their GP if any health matters are causing concern or dial the NHS[4] non-emergency line on 111. “Officers also remain on site at Barton House.

Security officers are maintaining access to the site to support residents wishing to gather essential items whilst a number of specialist contracts begin their work on further surveying the building. “These further surveys are under way and their intrusive nature means the possessions of those who have consented to the work being carried out in their flat are being removed. There is now significant work going on at Barton House while we investigate the full condition of the building.

“Residents visiting to collect essential items will be instructed by officers on how to remain safe in the building whilst work is ongoing. Meals continue to be provided for all guests at the Holiday Inn with all school-age children staying at the hotel being offered free school meals with packed lunches available for those who require one. “As of Tuesday afternoon (November 21), 67 households have taken up the offer of hotel accommodation and 13 have moved to stay with friends and family.

Officers were aware that two properties were empty at the start of the evacuation and have subsequently found two other unoccupied flats. Fourteen flats in Barton House are currently occupied. “Officers continue to work with community and faith leaders to encourage those who remain in Barton House to leave and take up offers of hotel accommodation or support to move to stay with friends and families.

“Residents are encouraged to visit the council website[5] for further information or to email [email protected] to raise any questions.

A free helpline is available and will be open over the weekend to take any calls from residents of Barton House – 0800 694 0184.”

References

1. ^ Barton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ Rumours and fury as evacuated Barton House residents hit out at council (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ Barton House families forced to move again a week after evacuation (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ NHS (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
5. ^ website (www.bristol.gov.uk)