Residents are still without access to their homes after firefighters evacuated a block of flats in Sheffield over safety concerns.
Occupants of the Riverside House building on Mowbray Street in Sheffield received prohibition notices from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service forcing them out of their homes on Wednesday 15th April.
Residents were only allowed to enter briefly to collect their possessions before they were evacuated.
Inspectors said the apartments, managed by Barnsdales, were a safety risk because the sprinklers were not working.
Green Party Councillor Douglas Johnson criticised the company, saying: “I think it’s awful and it does make me angry at how dismissive these agents can be when they’re dealing with people.
“They’re very cavalier in their attitudes, it’s completely unacceptable.”
ITV reported that Barnsdales have offered residents only £60 per night to cover emergency accommodation and meals.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “On Wednesday 15th April 2026, business fire safety inspectors served a Prohibition Notice on Riverside Apartments on Mowbray Street, Sheffield.
“The notice prohibits sleeping within the residential flats at any time due to inadequate means of escape.
“It will remain in force until the matters are remedied and the notice is withdrawn. Business fire safety officers will continue to work with the business to support them in resolving the above issue, and to enable the notice to be lifted.”
People have been staying with families, friends, in hotels, and some have resorted to using the Council’s emergency homelessness services.
We have reached out to Barnsdale for comment, but have yet to receive a response from the company.