Families forced out by asbestos

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Six families have been forced out of their council homes after they were found to be contaminated with asbestos.

Contractors replacing water tanks dislodged brown asbestos at the block in Fraser Avenue, Inverkeithing.

Immediate action was taken to evacuate 12 flats. Six families have since been allowed back in but Fife Council said the rest are highly contaminated.

Hotel accommodation has been provided for those made homeless until the flats can be declared safe.

It is understood that the properties were occupied by two families with children aged between four and 11, and four other tenants.

Fife Council's senior housing manager, Alan Russell, said: "We appreciate that this is a very traumatic time for the people affected and our thoughts are with them.

"Unfortunately health and safety law means all soft furnishings and clothing belonging to people in those flats must be destroyed.

"I'd also like to re-assure the local community that no other properties are affected in the incident."

Six of the families have been allowed back into their flats

The affected families have been offered counselling along with help in buying replacement clothes.

Neighbours have said that one of the families had to leave behind Christmas presents for their three children, which will have to be destroyed.

Local councillor Alice McGarry told the BBC Scotland news website: "Staff went back in with protective clothing and took out things like bank cards but everything else will need to be destroyed.

"We think they may be out for at least three weeks."

An investigation has now been launched to establish how the disturbance occurred.

The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon.