Worcester building evacuated over fire safety concerns
Officials are working to find alternative accommodation
Last updated 5th Jun 2025
Officials are working to find alternative accommodation for residents of a building in Worcester, who've been evacuated due to fire safety concerns.
There's concerns over whether people living at Barbourne Works on Northwick Avenue could escape safely if there's a fire.
A prohibition notice has been issued to the building management company, First Port.
In a statement, crews said: "Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are working with Local Authority partners, and housing managers, First Port, following the identification of a number of fire safety concerns at Barbourne Works, Northwick Avenue in Worcester.
"The concerns affect the ability of residents to be able to escape safely should a fire occur.
"Due to the concerns HWFRS have taken the difficult decision to issue a prohibition notice to the building management company, First Port, this evening, 04/06/25.
"HWFRS are supporting residents and the local authority to facilitate alternative accommodation whilst the building management company resolve the fire safety concerns.
"West Mercia Police are assisting.
"First Port housing are supportive of a prohibition notice being issued. 20 staff have been sent to the site to assist in the evacuation."
First Port have stated they are the managing agent appointed by the Resident Management Company (RMC) but do not own the building.
A spokesperson for the management agent said: ““We understand how disruptive this situation is for residents, however, this action was taken with their safety as the highest priority, and we are committed to providing ongoing support and regular updates as we address the issues raised.
“As part of the fire service’s ongoing monitoring of buildings requiring remediation, a building safety inspection was carried out at Barbourne Court on Wednesday 4 June.
“During the inspection, the fire service identified concerns relating to historical building defects from when Barbourne Court was converted into flats 20 years ago and as a result, the fire service issued a prohibition notice on the building with immediate effect.
“Prior to the prohibition notice, the building had already been accepted into the Government’s Cladding Safety Scheme, and we had been supporting the Resident Management Company (RMC) with these building safety requirements.”
A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “We supported our fire and police colleagues last night in managing a prohibition of the Barbourne Works Apartments.
“We provided rest centre facilities through the evening and arranged emergency accommodation where it was requested.
“The rest centre has now closed and we will continue to support those in emergency accommodation.”