The remaining six families have now moved out of hotels

Twelve flats in Inverkeithing had to be evacuated when workmen disturbed brown asbestos while replacing a water tank.

Six of the tenants were allowed home within days but the rest had to be put up in local hotels.

It is now hoped that the clean-up will be completed within weeks allowing the residents to move back in.

Staying locally

Fife Council said furnished flats had now been found locally for those who were made homeless.

Senior Housing Manager Alan Russell said: "Getting flats and houses in the same area was especially important.

"Staying in the same area means the children involved can continue going to the same schools or nurseries, people don't have longer to travel to work, and are still within easy reach of friends and family."

The displaced families included four children aged between four and 11.

Christmas presents for the youngsters, along with almost everything else inside the homes, had to be destroyed to clear away the asbestos.

The only items which were rescued were bank and credit cards which could be wiped clean.

An investigation has now started to establish exactly how the disturbance happened.