Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from a city tower block due to a 'serious' structural issue. <br /><br />Around 400 people and kids were told to leave Barton House in Bristol immediately on Monday after the issue was discovered.<br /><br />It is understood the issue at the building, which contains 98 flats, was related to fire safety.<br /><br />Those affected spent the night with family, friends or at rest centres with a bag of clothes.<br /><br />Emad Mukhtar, 50, said: “They told us it is not safe to stay there. <br /><br />''We got a knock on the door from a community worker, nobody from the council or the police came to speak to us. <br /><br />“I don’t know where I am going to go, they haven’t told us anything. The only thing we know is that it is not safe to stay in the building. <br /><br />“It is bad, the kids are panicking, we have been waiting outside for two hours and still no news.” <br /><br />A resident who wanted to remain anonymous said: “We have had a terrible experience today, we have no idea what is going on. <br /><br />“We came home and everyone was standing outside. I have a baby, it is very difficult for me. <br /><br />“I have no idea where I am going to go, they are telling us to go to the Mosque so I have no idea where I am doing to end up.” <br /><br />Adrian Siera, 48, who has lived in the building for 22 years said: “I found out there was something wrong when I came back from work. <br /><br />“There has been no information from Bristol Council which I think is absolutely disgusting. <br /><br />“I have to go to work, I don’t know if I can go to work tomorrow or the next day – I am going to lose money. <br /><br />“It is a complete mess to be honest with you, I have been told to go to the local wellsprings centre and take it from there. <br /><br />“I have a cat, I have a partner that is getting stressed out, we just don’t know what is going to happen. <br /><br />“I am angry, I am fuming, I don’t know when we are allowed back in. I read a story that they notified us, it is rubbish.” <br /><br />Resident Nuh Sharif told the BBC: ''I am worried where they are going to stay. How am I going to get them to school?''<br /><br />Dad Yousif Ahmed said: "They have just suddenly come knocking on the door saying you have to leave."<br /><br />Another resident said: ''I've just got to go now and get some clothes and things. I was speaking to a friend of mine in there and she has nowhere to go.''<br /><br />Sheila Barrett told the BBC: ''I have lived here for 50 years. I thought it was something to do with cladding, but have been told it is structural.''<br /><br />A council statement said: “The length of this temporary arrangement is dependent on a further survey of the building, which is being arranged to happen as soon as possible. All tenants will be kept regularly informed of progress and any updates on support arrangements.”<br /><br />Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have been liaising with Bristol City Council following a recent building survey conducted on Barton House. <br /><br />''As a precautionary measure and to allow for further, more in depth surveys, residents in the block are being asked to leave immediately. <br /><br />''We are in support of this to ensure that residents are kept safe."<br /><br />Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said on X, formerly twitter: "I'm pleased that the evacuation of residents is underway - we will continue to look after everyone while carrying out a full survey of Barton House The safety of Bristol residents is our highest priority."
