Tower Blocks UK revisit Barton House

April 2025

Barton House tower block, Bristol

In March 2025, we undertook a follow-up visit to Barton House in Bristol, following our report on the situation there a year ago. Our latest visit revealed alarming deteriorations in living conditions and ongoing health crises impacting residents. This distressing situation, worsened by systemic discrimination from Bristol City Council, had persisted since the initial evacuation of the block in November 2023 due to urgent structural concerns. After being temporarily housed in a local Holiday Inn, residents were pressured to return to Barton House in February and March 2024, only to find conditions worsening significantly. This decline raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the residents, particularly vulnerable children.

Struggles with Health Crises

One resident recounted her family's alarming health issues, which began during their stay at the Holiday Inn and continued after their return to Barton House. The family dealt with a range of health problems, including chicken pox, food poisoning, nosebleeds, colds, and head lice, highlighting the overwhelming impact of inadequate accommodation. The resident expressed feelings of manipulation by the council, stating, “They said we could refuse to come back, but we felt forced.” This situation demonstrated not only a breach of trust but also the council’s continued failure to protect its residents.

Another resident shared her harrowing experience concerning her autistic son. An Occupational Therapist had deemed her flat unsuitable due to serious safety concerns, such as open walkways and windows. Despite these professional recommendations, the council neglected to implement necessary safety measures, leaving this family in a hazardous environment. The disregard for residents' voices underscored the council's troubling approach to safety and wellbeing.

Another resident told us about the serious health complications her family faced due to persistent damp and mould in their flat. These issues resulted in her children suffering from eczema and respiratory problems. “The council insists the block is safe, but we are suffering,” she told us. The mental health repercussions of these ongoing crises cannot be overstated, as many families grapple with heightened anxiety, depression, and other challenges.

Living in Constant Fear

Residents of Barton House described a daily life filled with anxiety, exacerbated by frequent fire alarms and reports of a gas leak. One resident shared how these disruptions often interfered with her family’s sleep, further contributing to their stress. The fear of fire and other emergencies, compounded by the unsafe conditions has made living in the block a nightamre for them. Another resident explained that her daughter developed asthma after their return from temporary accommodation, and desperately wanted to move to a safer living environment. Despite clear recommendations from medical professionals for families to be relocated, the council remained unresponsive, leaving residents feeling neglected and at risk.

Exposing Systemic Discrimination

The testimonies of residents revealed a troubling pattern of systemic racism and discrimination by Bristol City Council. One resident recounted a humiliating experience when her daughter was dismissed during a council meeting, highlighting the broader issue of neglecting the voices of the predominately ethnic minority community within the block. “We feel like the council does not care about us,” she told us.

Residents expressed feeling invisible to the authorities meant to support them. This systemic discrimination not only undermined their housing security but also eroded their rights as citizens who deserved protection and respect. It fostered a climate of hopelessness that has worsened mental health challenges among individuals and families already under significant stress.

Response from Bristol City Council

Following our visit, we wrote to Bristol City council with our serious concerns and highlighted the recent MEDACT report which raises similar issues about living conditions at Barton. House. Bristol City Council issued a formal apology to the residents, acknowledging their past shortcomings and the distress caused to families living in the block. However, despite the apology, the council stated that they would not be rehousing the residents, which only deepened feelings of neglect and abandonment among the community.

A Continuing Human Rights Crisis

The conditions we witnessed during this visit raised urgent human rights concerns; access to safe and adequate shelter is a fundamental right. Tower Blocks UK remains deeply concerned about the ongoing neglect and mishandling of the situation by Bristol City Council. The experiences shared by residents were not just stories; they highlight a systemic failure that requires immediate action.

It remains essential for authorities to intervene to address this crisis. The wellbeing and safety of residents, especially children, continue to be at considerable risk under the current mismanagement of their living situation. While the council's apology marked a step toward acknowledging their faults, the lack of commitment to addressing immediate housing needs means that many residents continue to suffer.

Tower Blocks UK has urged national government representatives at MHCLG to intervene and demand a reassessment of Bristol’s housing policies, ensuring that the rights and safety of residents are prioritised. As we move forward, we will be continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure that residents receive the support and justice they deserve. The residents of Barton House deserve better, and it is the responsibility of local and national leaders to restore dignity, safety, and security to these families.

Fadumo Farah; Barton House resident & campaigner with Danielle Gregory of Tower Blocks UK.