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Worcester Barbourne Works lower-floor residents allowed home

A large number of residents forced to evacuate their apartment block over dangerous cladding and fire safety risk nearly two weeks ago are set to return people, including eight children, were told to leave the Barbourne Works in Worcester on 4 June, after fire inspectors raised a safety and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), which placed the building under a prohibition notice, said it was now safe for the ground and first floors to be FirstPort, the building's management agent, said the second and third floors still did not meet the required standards for fire escape, and work was continuing. The evacuation took place after fire inspectors found problems that dated back to when the former factory was converted to flats 20 years ago. "[But] we are pleased to be able to welcome residents of the ground and first floors back home and we sincerely thank them for their patience and support over the last two weeks whilst we've works through this complex situation," a FirstPort spokesperson said. 'Risk was so severe' The firm had taken a central role in co-ordinating a response to the safety alert, which involved working with stakeholders including Homes England, the fire service, the building's freeholder and council. "Unfortunately, for residents of the second and third floors the prohibition notice remains in place, as these units currently do not meet the required standards for fire escape," the spokesperson added. Work is continuing to implement safety measures so the upper floors could be re-occupied "as soon as possible". Inspectors found dangers "so significant and the risk to residents was so severe" that the notice was issued and residents had to leave the 46 flats. Some residents told the BBC they were shocked, had "absolutely no warning" and had to quickly leave their homes. Forty-seven people went to stay with family and friends and 13 went to a rest centre before being put up in hotels, fire service group commander Simon Cusack said previously. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.