Two WLD councillors have today reacted to the news that residents have been forced to leave their homes due to fire safety concerns.
Sixty people, including eight children, had to leave the flats at Barbourne Works in Worcester after inspectors found significant dangers leaving the residents ‘at risk forcing them to issue a prohibition notice. Residents affected included 52 adults and eight children.
Management firm First Port said the concerns related to defects from when the former factory was converted 20 years ago.
Claines City Councillors Jessie Jagger and Karen Holmes today issued statements regarding the situation.
Cllr Jagger said ‘I want to thank everyone involved in the swift and coordinated response to the urgent evacuation of Barbourne Works. I visited the site and Perdiswell Leisure Centre last night to speak with residents and to make sure they knew they could reach out for help. Several have already been in touch with me, and I encourage others to do the same if they need support.
While Perdiswell was set up as a rest centre, I’m pleased to say that everyone who came there last night was found suitable temporary accommodation and did not need to stay overnight at the centre. I want to thank the council staff for their tireless work in making that happen.
I also understand that many residents chose to stay with family or friends in the immediate aftermath, but may now need additional support to find a more suitable long-term solution. We are very mindful of the number of young families affected, and we are doing everything we can to work with partner agencies to make sure the right people take responsibility for finding appropriate interim housing solutions.
I will continue to work closely with Worcester City Council, the fire authority and housing teams to support residents. After Grenfell, no council can afford to take these concerns lightly. Safety must always come first.
If you have been affected and would like to speak with me directly, please get in touch on 07912 650701 or jessie.jagger@worcester.gov.uk. We are here to help.”
Cllr Holmes said ‘I visited Barbourne Works to see the building for myself and understand the scale of the fire safety concerns. The extent of the timber panelling—from the ground floor up to level four—raises serious questions. If flammable cladding is present behind that structure, as indicated, then we are looking at a major and complex issue that cannot be resolved overnight.
Residents deserve honest communication and practical solutions. Many acted quickly and calmly in response to the evacuation, but I know this has left families in an incredibly difficult position. Some are now in temporary accommodation, while others who stayed with friends or relatives may soon need more secure options.
My priority is ensuring that all residents are properly supported and that the necessary agencies take responsibility for both the short-term housing needs and the long-term remediation work. These concerns must be treated with the seriousness they warrant—not just as a matter of safety, but of trust and responsibility.”
