A MAJOR incident has been declared as a skyscraper has been urgently evacuated due to serious “structural faults” and locals have been told to “stay with their families”.
Around 400 people, including an estimated 100 children, were told to leave Barton House in Bristol immediately after the problem was discovered this afternoon.
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Barton House in Bristol, home to around 400 people, which has been evacuatedCredit: SWNS
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Residents are preparing to evacuate a high-rise apartment buildingCredit: LNP
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It has been reported that the police are present as the main structure of Credit: LNP
Serious “structural defects” in the building, which contains 98 flats, are believed to have been related to fire safety.
Those affected have reportedly been asked to go to holiday centers now with a bag of clothes.
Local GP practice Wellspring Settlement said it was being set up as an information point.
Taking to social media, they said: “We are aware of the emergency situation developing at #BartonHouse – it looks like our Wellspring location in Beam Street, BS5 9QY will be an information point for residents on the block.
“Please go there and talk to the BCC worker to find out where you need to go.”
Green Party co-leader and Bristol City Councilor Carla Denyer wrote on social media: “A major structural failure has been identified in Bristol City Council’s high rise Lawrence Hill building and all residents are being asked to evacuate.
“Please don’t visit us, leave room for the professionals to do their job.”
She said on-site support is currently being offered to those affected.
Bristol City Council confirmed at a briefing that around 400 residents have been affected and will be knocking on every house tonight asking people to leave.
In a statement, Bristol City Council said: “A building in Bristol is being evacuated today (Tuesday 14 November) following a recent building investigation.
“The block has recently been the subject of numerous investigations to assess the possibilities for the future of the building due to its age and construction method.
“Investigations of three apartments out of 98 in the block show that in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, there is a risk to the construction of the block.
“As a precautionary measure and to allow for further, more detailed investigations, residents of the block are asked to leave Barton House immediately.
“No evidence has been presented to suggest that there is any immediate danger to health and life. Further planned research is designed to provide all the information necessary to fully assess the building structure.
“There is currently no evidence to suggest that the problems identified at Barton House are present elsewhere, although the council regularly monitors its property as it works to meet all regulatory requirements.
“Officers informed Avon’s Fire and Rescue Department of the situation, who in turn acknowledged that the approach taken was proportionate.
“Further information will be made available on an ongoing basis. Tenants are advised to monitor Bristol City Council’s social media channels and keep mobile phones nearby to receive further updates from the housing team.”
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About 400 people, including an estimated 100 children, were told to leaveCredit: SWNS
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Those affected have reportedly been asked to go to holiday centers nowCredit: LNP
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