On the night of 14th November 2023, over 250 residents – including children – of Barton House in Bristol were suddenly evacuated after being told their building was at risk of collapse. Forced to flee with little notice, families were scattered across the city, spending months in hotels with no clear timeline for returning home. By the end of February 2024, Bristol City Council declared Barton House safe for return following surveys and structural repair works. After living through several traumatic months, residents were sceptical about the statement from the council that Barton House was now safe.
Barton House residents have been fighting for justice for over a year after what our members in Medact Bristol have called “a mass-traumatising event”. They have faced horrendous impacts on their mental and physical health after an emergency evacuation, months in unfit temporary housing and years of ongoing issues. They have been silenced and ignored by Bristol council despite providing evidence from medical and social workers.
A new report, “We Don’t Feel Safe Here”, made by Medact Bristol in collaboration with ACORN Bristol members at Barton House, collates the residents’ experiences and documents the toll this ordeal has taken. We echo the residents’ longstanding demands: rehousing those who want it, compensation, and a full investigation with the finding made public.
The findings of the report were presented in a high-stakes meeting with the council on Wednesday, 26 February. Health professionals involved in the production of the report joined Barton House residents, many of whom are members of ACORN the Community Union, to present to council leaders and local councillors, and the media.
Medact members Dr Nazanin Rassa, Dr Amelia Cussans and Dr Francis Bennet presented key findings from the interviews with residents as well as the professional judgements of local healthcare workers. The council members were given a platform to respond, giving the opportunity for residents to ask questions. More than 60 residents and concerned locals attended the meeting to hear the results of the report.
This meeting, and the report, were covered by BBC, ITV and Inside Housing, as well as local news sources.
Barton House residents raised issues about the evacuation and many expressed anger about the conditions of their homes, with attendees reporting broken heating and severe mould that have gone ignored for years.
Bristol City Council, finally, after over a year, apologised for the circumstances of the evacuation and the distress caused. They promised an independent investigation, and to meet with Barton House residents again before the end of March 2025 to discuss the next steps.
Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “The council takes its duty of care to residents very seriously, and we endeavour to support the residents of Barton House where we can. Our priority remains to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all residents living in council housing is supported and we are living up to our promise to ensure they live in safe and decent homes.
“We acknowledge the report, and its contents, published today and thank Medact Bristol for the work they have done with Barton House residents and ACORN.
“Over the coming weeks we will take time to consider and reflect on the conclusions and recommendations of the report ahead of issuing a formal response by the end of March and updating residents on the actions we will take as a result.”
ACORN block rep and mother of two, living in Barton House, Fadumo, says: “This report is the only place where the voices of these mothers, especially those who do not speak English can finally be heard. It is the only way to document the fear, the struggles, and the pain that have been ignored for too long. The only way to make those in power face the truth they have been avoiding.”
The next step in the campaign is to ensure that the council members follow through on their promises. The Barton House residents and ACORN members who have been campaigning tirelessly for the last year will no doubt hold them to account, and we will be there in solidarity to see that they win the justice they deserve.
Photos: TJ Chuah / Medact
