Barton House Evacuation inquiry unlikely to see ex-mayor's emails

EMAILS sent and received by Marvin Rees are "unlikely" to be reviewed by an upcoming inquiry into the Barton House evacuation.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

The former mayor was out of the country in November 2023 when the council tower block was evacuated after fears the building could suddenly collapse.

Several questions regarding the evacuation remain unanswered. Around 400 residents were ordered to leave their homes with no warning when Bristol City Council decided the block, in Barton Hill, was too risky for them to stay in. The building was declared safe in February 2024.

During the evacuation the former mayor was attending a conference in Kigali, Rwanda, which might have affected decisions on Barton House. But because his emails appear to have been deleted when he left office, the inquiry into the evacuation might leave some huge question marks lingering.

Councillors on the housing policy committee were asked on Friday whether these emails would be available to the inquiry. The council will hire consultants to work with residents of Barton House to review what happened during the evacuation.