This weekend residents of Barton Hill will finally discover if they will return home in time for Christmas, or if the 14 storey tower block will be demolished.
It has been a month since around 400 Barton Hill residents were evacuated from their homes due to major safety concerns, following a survey that found the structure of the building was at “material risk” in case of a fire.
The majority of families have been staying in a Holiday Inn and others with friends and family.
Council bosses will be determining whether the tower block needs extensive repairs, if the families can return home, or the block will be demolished.
At the same time, residents have also been warned those who chose to stay in the block or ones that returned may be at risk of bacteria in the water that can lead to a pneumonia-type illness called Legionnaires’ disease.
Signs were put up across the Barton Hill block that read “Do not turn the taps on, or run the shower or bath” and “Do not run the water in your flat”.
Residents are feeling frustrated and disappointment from the lack of communication and uncertainty from Bristol City Council.
When the residents were first demanded to evacuate, it was suggested it may be for a couple of days, but a month later there is still no directions whether they will be returning.
On Tuesday residents and members of ACORN (Bristol’s housing union) attended a rowdy full council meeting.
Mayor Marvin Rees was cornered by activists demanding answers from him, which led to police being called to City Hall.
Residents say they are still waiting for answers, however it has been reported that a response from the council will be made in the next 48 hours.
